Alan Shearer says without 23-year-old, Leeds would not have beaten Wolves away

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Alan Shearer has claimed in his Premier League Team of the Week column that had it not been for the display of Illan Meslier, Leeds United may not have secured all three points against Wolves on Saturday afternoon at Molineux.

Goals from Jack Harrison, Luke Ayling, Rasmus Kristensen and Rodrigo saw Leeds score four away from home. An incredible feat, given it was a Wolves side that have become renowned for their defensive solidity in recent years.

A win that sees Leeds go from 19th in the Premier League table, to a dizzying 14th place. Now, the Whites can relax with the international break upon us. A handful of Leeds players are travelling up to meet with National Teams.

Meslier missed out on France’s National Team this month, even after the retirement of Hugo Lloris – who is also injured. But, Shearer named him in his TOTW and believes without the French ace, Leeds would not have won.

“If it wasn’t for him in goal, Leeds may not have come away with the three points,” Shearer said in his column with the Premier League’s official website – also naming Leeds winger Jack Harrison and ex-Elland Road star Ben White.

Shearer: Leeds may not have secured win against Wolves without Meslier

Meslier was excellent, once again. This season, he has arguably enjoyed his best campaign – beginning to cut out the mistakes with the ball at his feet and knowing when to go long, rather than over-complicating. He is in form.

Without a doubt, the first name on the team sheet at the moment. If Leeds are going to stay above the relegation zone this season, then £30k-a-week Meslier is going to be pivotal – as he showed against Wolves on Saturday.

Yes, he may be to blame slightly for Jonny’s goal – but more blame should be taken on the shoulders of Marc Roca, who inexplicably teed the ball up for Jonny to volley home. Leeds are next in action against Arsenal on April 1.