Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is not participating in France’s international break this month, and it has been suggested that he should depart if he wants to be considered for a senior call-up.
Leeds stopper Illan Meslier is enjoying his playing for the club again following a difficult period earlier in the season that led in Sam Allardyce benching him for the final four games of the season.
Under Daniel Farke, he’s back in the starting lineup this season and playing significantly better, with the joint-most clean sheets in the Championship so far.
Why wasn’t he called up for the French national team?
Meslier, 23, has more top-flight experience than almost every goalkeeper his age, yet he has yet to be called up to France‘s senior squad.
He had previously played for the under-21s, but he is no longer a member of the squad presently managed by Thierry Henry, raising the question of what he needs to do to break into the France setup.
According to L’Equipe, a move away from Leeds may be necessary for him to have a chance in the Championship:
“After being surpassed in the Hopes hierarchy by Chevalier during the previous Euro in the category, Illan Meslier, who was also pre-selected for this autumn gathering, had to follow Leeds in the Championship (English D2) this season.”
“At 23 years old, his high-level experience is considerable (nearly 200 pro matches), but he too will have to find a competitive framework, more related to the level in the French team, to have a chance.”
Meslier should reconsider his decision.
Meslier‘s only hope of making the France squad is to transfer away to a top-flight club and improve his performances, according to the report.
However, that would not be the ideal strategy for the 23-year-old at this point in his career, as he appears to be nearing peak form for us.
He has a long way to go before he can consider himself in contention for that position, and hopping ship from Elland Road won’t help.
Earning his way into the national squad should coincide with his return to the Premier League with Leeds.
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