Illan Meslier’s World Cup chances may look slim, but Jesse Marsch believes the goalkeeper fits the bill for France. Meslier has started the Premier League in fine form for Leeds United, with his performance against Liverpool last weekend receiving plenty of plaudits as he pulled off nine saves during the Whites’ win at Anfield.
As such, that performance has led many to speculate that perhaps he could be in the running for a France call-up this month as Didier Deschamps’ side bid to retain their World Cup crown in Qatar. Meslier is an established Under-21 international for Les Bleus, but the 22-year-old has never received a call-up to the senior squad.
The likes of Hugo Lloris, Alphonse Areola and Nantes’ highly rated shot stopper Alban Lafont have been ahead of Meslier in Deschamps’ pecking order lately and leading into the World Cup, the French coach is expected to go with who he knows. However, Marsch believes Meslier would be the ideal man to play that third choice keeper role for France.
