‘Outstanding’ custodian Illan Meslier was praised by Leeds United manager Daniel Farke for the Whites’ ability to keep another clean sheet at Plymouth despite challenging conditions.
The players in the southwest weren’t helped by the weather, but Frenchman Meslier recorded his 15th shutout of the season to lead his team to a 2-0 win and reclaim second place in the Championship table.
Farke claimed he could “feel” the goalie’s presence on the field at Home Park and is fully aware of the importance the player makes. He also commended his decision-making throughout the hosts’ attempt to claw their way back into a match that Leeds appeared to have won.
“I thought Meslier was excellent today,” Farke remarked. “He did not make a single outstanding save. Although I believe that was one of his best efforts of the entire season, he is capable of accomplishing that.
“His decision-making with his feet on the ball appeared to be rather solid, which was excellent. In challenging circumstances, he appeared powerful, particularly in characters. For instance, he chose to pass the ball to the sideline instead of taking the chance to receive it when it rebounded directly in front of him during the previous free-kick. He performed incredibly well, in my opinion, and his presence on the pitch today was felt. Additionally, it goes without saying that as a goalie, you have always done everything correctly when you go back to the locker room with a clean sheet. However, I believe he gave a pretty strong performance today.
