Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is in contention to become France’s No.1 after Hugo Lloris announced his international retirement earlier this month.
The 22-year-old is yet to make his debut for Les Blues but believes he can represent France if he continues to shine for the Whites.
L’Equipe had a chat with the stopper, where he discussed several topics including his move to Leeds and the dream of playing for France.
Meslier initially joined the English club on loan from FC Lorient in 2019 and his stay was made permanent a year later. Leeds were then in the Championship and he had to wait for several months to make his league debut with them.
When asked if he thought about the risk of joining Leeds, he said: “At the time, no. But the fact of no longer being No.1 at Lorient, I was hurt deep inside. England, I always wanted to go there. Leeds is a club that is known around the world.
“Yes, it could have taken another turn, if there had not been this suspension of Kiko Casilla, maybe that I wouldn’t have made a match in the season, and then what do we do? I had favourable circumstances.”
The France U21 international admitted his time in England has helped him develop his game.
“For my first Championship match, at Hull City, it was a quagmire (laughs), it was English football as we perceive it, with duels, intensity,” Meslier explained.
“It makes me who I am today. I make a lot more saves, I am more decisive. In the aerial duel, I am no longer the same either. Maturity, body language, communication with my teammates, everything has changed. In one-on-one, I scare the attackers more.”
The stopper was asked if this is where he wanted to be at the age of 22. He said: “It’s beyond my expectations. When you start at Lorient in Ligue 2, you never imagine yourself going up to the Premier League and continuing. I am proud to have broken these precocious records.”
Meslier’s contract with Jesse Marsch’s side lasts until 2026 and it seems like he has no plans to leave Leeds. When asked if he needs to move to fulfil his ambitions, the Frenchman said: “No, it could potentially go through an even bigger development of our team.”
L’Equipe pointed out to the goalkeeper that he is an ‘unknown’ in France and asked if that bothers him.
“At first, it didn’t bother me, I hadn’t proven anything yet. I was trying to earn my place as No1. Now, yes, I would like people to recognise my value, my level and know me a little more because I passed the step,” Meslier stressed.
“But it’s up to me to open up so that they know me. I understand them too, I left Ligue 2 young. When you leave at 19, even in Bielsa’s Leeds, it’s normal that people aren’t too interested.”
