Illan Meslier backing Leeds United to build on first Premier League clean sheet at Sheffield United

The Whites secured a clean sheet at Bramall Lane on Sunday for the first time this season.
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier. (Getty)Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier. (Getty)
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier. (Getty)

Illan Meslier believes game time for Leeds United's new defensive recruits will cure any early season backline frailties.

The 20-year-old French goalkeeper put in a man of the match performance against Sheffield United last weekend as the Whites recorded their first clean sheet of the Premier League campaign.

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Leeds made it six points from a possible nine at Bramall Lane as Meslier kept the Blades at bay before Patrick Bamford struck late on to take the Yorkshire derby spoils.

Marcelo Bielsa's defence has had to adjust this summer following the arrival of Robin Koch from Freiburg while the Elland Road club also announced the capture of Diego Llorente last week.

The former Real Sociedad defender has linked up with the Germany international to replace the outgoing Ben White while Gaetano Berardi's injury absence left another spot up for grabs in the squad.

United conceded four goals on the opening day at Liverpool as young centre-back Pascal Struijk was called upon late in place of club captain Liam Cooper.

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Leeds then followed up the showing at Anfield by allowing fellow Championship promotion winners Fulham to bag three times at Elland Road in another dramatic 4-3 encounter.

Meslier, though, insists that increased game time with each other will only improve United's defensive cohesion ahead of Saturday's clash with Manchester City.

"It's a new player in central back," Meslier said of Koch's arrival.

"It's not easy to start with but now more games pass and it's easier because I know when he can play with me or when I can play with him.

"It's better now than [against] Liverpool or Fulham. I think the next game [against Manchester City] will be better again."

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