Leicester linked with Illan Meslier but there’s a better fit
Leicester City have been linked to the signing of the untouchable Illan Meslier. Here is what you need to know and who would be a better move.
Leeds United have one of the best goalkeepers in the league within their roster. The French international is a stalwart of the side, performing both for club and country valiantly. Certainly, Meslier is one of the prodigal talents of the profession.
It is therefore unsurprising that the King Power club have been reportedly linked to the potential signing of this player. The goalkeeper is seen as a long-term replacement for Kasper Schmeichel, although Brendan Rodgers has been backing Danny Ward for the No. 1 shirt for now.
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What Leicester City must know
2.1 goals conceded per game in a dangerous and defensively disorganised Leeds side is not a terrible statistic. This being said, the Frenchman has not been the most consistent of performers, occasionally dropping terrible fixtures, whereas often being a startling talent.
As a result, according to FBRef, Meslier is within the sixth percentile for goals against, 20th for post-shot expected goals versus goals against, and eighth for clean sheets percentage. These are simply bad. What they mean is that he concedes more goals than expected, and is under a great amount of stress during matches.
Where the international shines is in sweeping. Meslier performs the role of a sweeper keeper to perfection, with better short distribution and a higher propensity to make high claims for crosses. The player is a modern goalkeeper archetypically.
Furthermore, it is critical to note the ‘keeper is not for sale. According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds United have no intention of selling the goalie, who has been linked to Manchester United and City. So, any move for the player would be expensive and protracted.
Leeds have no intention to negotiate with Man United for Illan Meslier. The French goalkeeper is now considered ‘untouchable’ and key part of the project. 🚨⚪️ #LUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2022
Man Utd are working to sign a new GK with Sommer in the list, but also tempted by Gladbach new deal bid. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/pwYpmA8yIi
The better fit
Should the Foxes be genuinely interested in the French international goalkeeper, they should instead look another way. Leicester can look towards the excellent Alban Lafont to lead from the back.
With only 0.5 goals conceded per game, being in the 92nd percentile for penalty saves, 52nd for post-shot expected goals versus goals against, 60th for goals against, 68th for crosses stopped, and a longer distance of defensive actions, Lafont is the answer, the French goalkeeper already has so much experience.
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Captain for his side, already having played more football than most, and being available for a much more preferable price, Lafont is a no brainer. After all, Meslier would cost tens of millions to pry from Leeds, where the former would probably cost around £20million.