‘Diamond’: Daniel Farke says Leeds United have a player who is the best in his position in the Championship

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Daniel Farke believes Leeds United’s Illan Meslier is the best goalkeeper in the Championship.

Farke was speaking in his post-match press conference after Leeds’ 1-0 win over Leicester City, in which Meslier produced an incredible save in added time to preserve the three points.

Meslier has had his critics at Elland Road over the last 12 months with his form at the end of last season actually seeing him dropped to the bench for the final four matches.

It had looked for all the world as though he would move on in the summer, until Farke came in and changed that, despite the arrival of Karl Darlow in the summer.

Meslier undoubtedly enjoyed his best moment in a Leeds shirt for a long time at the King Power Stadium, as he was somehow able to prevent Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s header from finding the top corner.

Farke says Meslier best goalkeeper in the Championship

Having hailed Meslier’s save as ‘world class’ in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, Farke then suggested in his press conference he is the best goalkeeper in the division.

He said: “His potential without any doubt. He can be any goalkeeper at one point. Unbelievably young. Important to play with confidence. Has the skills to play out from the back. Needs confidence for this, but his potential is outstanding.

“Crucial for six clean sheets and good defensive behaviour. Crucial for build-up. A diamond like him has to be backed. Young goalkeepers will make mistakes, but this has to be expected. Excellent overall this season. Best goalkeeper in the league.”

Meslier has started the season in decent form but this match-winning save really should be the confidence boost he needs to really fulfil his potential.

Leeds had prevented Leicester from having any shots on target until that moment in the 95th minute, and so to keep that level of concentration really is top class by Meslier.

Farke’s post-match comments can surely only be a positive thing for him, too, and hopefully he can begin to kick on again in a Leeds shirt.