‘Magnificent’…Sky pundit amazed by 23-year-old Leeds player against Sunderland

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Andy Hinchcliffe lauded Illan Meslier after the Frenchman made an incredible save to deny Jenson Seelt during the first-half against Sunderland on Tuesday.

Hinchcliffe was speaking on Sky Sports (broadcast on 12/12; 20:31) with Meslier doing brilliantly to keep the scoreline level at the Stadium of Light as the Leeds goal came under quite some pressure.

Leeds were treated to both sides of Illan Meslier‘s game in about 30 seconds against the Black Cats. The Frenchman was arguably unconvincing when a Sunderland free-kick was curled towards his goal. And he needed Pascal Struijk to produce a remarkable clearance.

Andy Hinchcliffe lauds Illan Meslier after Leeds goalkeeper’s save

But from the next set-piece, Meslier proved what a talent he can be. The 23-year-old somehow got across to claw Seelt’s header away.

The attempt looked to be destined for the far corner. In fact, it did appear that Seelt was so convinced that he had scored that he seemingly started to celebrate. However, Meslier somehow got a hand on the ball to paw it away from danger.

Hinchcliffe seemingly felt that Seelt could have done better. But he was still full of praise for Meslier keeping the ball out.

“That’s a magnificent stretch. If that’s a bullet header, Meslier doesn’t get there. I just wonder is there a lack of clean connection on it? Does it take a deflection? It just seemed to slow down in the air, the ball, which gave the keeper a chance of getting there,” he told Sky Sports.

“For Meslier, you’ve got to be on your toes, you’ve got to be anticipating it, then you’ve got to spring. What a stop!”

Two stunning stops this season

Of course, Meslier is no stranger to making world-class saves this season. Few will forget that stop against Leicester City back in November when Leeds were looking to see out a 1-0 win.

He had slightly longer to react to this one. However, he also had further to travel across his line. So it is hard to separate them.

Meslier has not managed to silence all of his doubters this season. But there is absolutely no question of the kind of potential he possesses – particularly after the latest outrageous stop.