Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is reportedly on the fringes of the current France squad and was considered for selection over the current international break; however, he will have to play in a higher division if he wants to be called up.
Illan Meslier is still only 23 years-old but he has been the main goalkeeper at Leeds for the last couple of seasons now, including when the Championship side were in the Premier League.
Now, according to L’Equipe, the goalkeeper was close to being selected for France for the October international break. He was ‘preselected’ but in the end did not make the final cut.
The French publication says that he is being monitored by the 2018 World Cup champions but he will apparently have to ‘find a competitive environment, more in line with the French team, to have a chance’ of being selected by Didier Deschamps.
Leeds’ Illan Meslier needs to play at higher level for France call-up
It is no shock to hear that Meslier would have to be playing at a level that is seen to be higher than the Championship if he wants to play for France. On his day, he is an ‘exceptional‘ player.
Hopefully, the Frenchman will be able to achieve this with Leeds as they are currently battling for promotion in the Championship.
Manager Daniel Farke is currently looking like a top signing as he has lead Leeds to four wins in their last six games.
If they keep this sort of form up then they definitely have a chance of staying in the Championship Play-Offs or making the automatic promotion spots if results go their way.
The issue for Leeds is if they don’t get promoted. If this happens then they could lose their top stars like Meslier, who will no doubt be wanting to play for their country.
It is a big season for the club and if they can get straight back to the Premier League at the first time of asking then it would be a big achievement.
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