One thing that Leeds United have become renowned for in recent years is their fearlessness in blooding younger players. This has been a trend that has continued from an older base.
Today players such as Jamie Shackleton and Kalvin Phillips are bearing witness to this policy of youth promotion. Stepping progressively backwards you have the likes of Jack Clarke, Lewis Cook, Sam Byram and James Milner showing the chronological development of United’s ‘blooding’ policy.
Youngster Alfie McAlmont stands ready to be another who could step up and play a bigger role, as does Leif Davis who has already had some cameo moments as a substitute this Championship campaign. However, it is French youngster Ilhan Meslier who has gone on record as being ready and prepared to make the step-up from the Leeds United bench should he be called upon.
Speaking to Goal (France), youngster Meslier commented that he was ready to seize any opportunities at Elland Road, whilst saying that “football is a religion in Leeds.” He says, in the Goal interview, that he is progressing “from week to week” and that he is ready to step in to the #1 role with the Whites should this become a necessity.
That necessity could very soon become a reality what with Leeds United’s current #1, Kiko Casilla, facing a possible lengthy suspension should the outcome of an FA investigation into alleged racism go against him. Whilst saying that it isn’t something that is spoken about, Meslier says that he is more than ready to don the #1 jersey in any Casilla absence.
Commenting in reply to a question on the Casilla situation, Meslier said: “If he were to be suspended, I’m ready to play. You have to know how to seize opportunities. Sometimes it’s an injury, sometimes a suspension, and sometimes it’s unusual.”
