Phil Hay gave his verdict on Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier’s performance against Hull City, during a Q&A on The Athletic.
What did he say?
Kiko Casilla has been banned for eight games, after being charged for racism towards Jonathan Leko, as reported by BBC Sport.
With the Spaniard unavailable due to this, 19-year-old stopper Meslier went between the sticks for Leeds’ 4-0 win against Hull, making his first league appearance for the club.
Following the game, Hay was asked what he thought of the Frenchman’s performance, to which he replied: “A little bit anxious in brief periods but good handling in the air, brave enough with his passing and didn’t look nervous in the main. It was a good game to make your first league start in. Not a lot coming his way.”
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Judgement yet to be made
It was a good game for the youngster to make his first league start in as Hull lacked any real threat, with Meslier keeping a clean sheet after making two saves.
Hay mentioned his passing during the game, and while Meslier was off with some of them, which meant he gave away some cheap throw-ins, he did finish up with a pass success rate of 73%.
The willingness he showed to pick out his teammates was an integral part of Leeds’ build-up play at times, as he helped Kalvin Phillips get onto the ball.
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He also looked assured in his handling, dealing with one specific ball into the box from deep well – appearing composed and in complete control when plucking it out of the air.
Overall, it was a performance that Marcelo Bielsa will likely be satisfied with, as a clean sheet is always a good way for any goalkeeper to start.
However, there will probably be far bigger tests for him to face during his time in the Leeds goal than this one.
Meanwhile, one Leeds man was hailed by Phil Hay.