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.
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“I spoke to him [Meslier] about that about a month ago, and he seemed to think it was unrealistic,” Marsch said when asked about his chances. “So I would just go off that.
“But I think as a young goalkeeper he fits the criteria for that third goalkeeper position in a World Cup squad.”
He added regarding last Saturday's game at Anfield: “I think this has been a little bit of a crescendo for him, putting really strong performances together and now on a night it comes together in a big way for him and for us. Certainly he needs to use that to gain confidence and belief and know how good he can be.
“I think we all know his talent is high and we're just trying to help him mature and push himself daily to be the goalkeeper that we need and so it fits well with us because he's a good shot stopper and he's good in one v one situations and transition phases. I thought that he stood up big in those moments and obviously was a big key to escape.”
If he doesn’t receive a call-up to the senior squad this month, Meslier is expected to link up with the Under-21s for their friendly against Norway in Caen. He’s also expected to be involved next summer when France head to Romania for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championships.
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