Illan Meslier, a name familiar to many who have followed Leeds United in recent years, has become Arsenal’s first summer signing. The Frenchman has made eight appearances against Arsenal in his career, lining up against them more often than any other opponent. He now joins Arsenal as their newest shot-stopper.
Accidental Beginnings and Early Influences
Like many goalkeepers, Illan Meslier initially found his way between the posts by chance. He recalled in 2018 that it “happened a bit by chance” when he was eight years old. At that time, his old club, Merlevenez, was playing in a tournament in Hennebont, and there was no goalkeeper, so he was asked to go in goal. It was only when Lorient came to get him, at nine years old, that he realised he could not move position.
Growing up in Brittany, northern France, Illan studied goalkeepers from a young age, with a few big names helping to shape his game. He noted seeing Hugo Lloris when he came to Tottenham from Lyon, and also remembered Peter Cech and Edwin van der Sar a bit. However, Meslier stated that Manuel Neuer was “more of one of my examples,” adding, “I like to watch the goalkeepers, watch their quality and then try and do the same, to make my own version of a goalkeeper.”
Illan turned professional at Lorient in February 2018, having already turned heads with his performances for their reserve team. These displays led to early links with bigger clubs, and he was subsequently handed his professional debut in a French Cup fixture the following August. Having impressed his manager, former France international keeper Mickael Landreau, the teenager went on to keep clean sheets in his first five games as a professional. He would end his debut campaign with 11 clean sheets in 30 appearances, ultimately earning him a move to Leeds United.
Making His Mark at Elland Road
Illan initially arrived at Elland Road on loan and had to wait until January 2020 for his Whites debut. This debut came at Emirates Stadium, the ground he now calls home. The 19-year-old was selected by Marcelo Bielsa for an FA Cup third-round tie against Arsenal in January 2020. Playing behind another loanee in Ben White, Illan was beaten only once, when Reiss Nelson’s 55th-minute strike sent Arsenal into the next round of the competition, which they would ultimately win. However, the Frenchman’s impressive display would sow the seeds for further opportunities.
When first-choice keeper Kiko Casilla was given an eight-game suspension, Illan stepped into the Whites side. He helped keep them on track for promotion to the Premier League. His seven clean sheets in 10 of the 11 remaining matches helped secure the title and Leeds’ top-flight return for the first time since 2004.
Establishing a Premier League Presence
After making his loan move permanent the following summer, Illan Meslier remained first choice at Elland Road for the next four-and-a-half seasons. During this period, Leeds battled to reestablish themselves amongst English football’s elite. A little over two years after his professional debut, Illan soon found himself tending the net for a Premier League side, with Bielsa’s team thriving in the top flight.
Illan Meslier’s journey, from an accidental start to a consistent presence in goal for a Premier League side, culminates in his recent move to Arsenal.