'Bargain of the season' - Paul Robinson lavishes praise on 'real deal' Leeds talent

Paul Robinson has claimed that Illan Meslier could be the “bargain of the season” for Leeds United.
Illan Meslier. (Photo by JASON CAIRNDUFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Illan Meslier. (Photo by JASON CAIRNDUFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Illan Meslier. (Photo by JASON CAIRNDUFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The young Frenchman made his loan deal from FC Lorient permanent over the summer, and has played in every single one of his side’s Premier League clashes so far this term.

And despite having conceded 22 times in 12 outings, former Whites stopper Robinson has been impressed with the 20-year-old.

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"He's been given the nod very early, and potentially, he could be the bargain of the season for Leeds”, he told Sky Sports’ Football Show.

"All credit to him, he’s done fantastically well this season.

"Yes, they’ve conceded a lot of goals, but there’s not many of those goals where you can point the finger at the goalkeeper. He’s looked calm, he’s looked concentrated, and he’s made some fantastic saves as well.

"Leeds, the way they play, they’re very open at the back, and they do concede a lot of chances, and he's made a lot of fantastic saves this season.

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"His distribution, what I saw of him last season and the season before in the development squad was outstanding. When he came into the squad in the Championship, it was a little bit of a confidence issue with him having the ability to play, but I think we’re seeing that a lot more from him.

"There’s a lot more to come from him, but the biggest compliment you can pay to him is that he hasn’t really made any mistakes that have led to goals. He’s looked comfortable, he’s looked confident, he’s commanded his area well, and he’s looked like the real deal.”