Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, ex-Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has backed Illan Meslier to play for France in the near future.
Following an impressive display against Chelsea, where Meslier was able to keep a clean sheet, former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino lauded the 21-year-old and tipped him to succeed Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris as France’s No.1 – something Palmer can see happening.
And it appears such performances have not gone unnoticed outside of England, with Meslier now being linked with a return to his homeland.
According to The National, Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are considering a move for the French youngster as they look to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.
Discussing the 6 ft 4 stopper’s chances of becoming a France international in an exclusive interview with FFC, Palmer said:
“If you’re playing in the Premier League and you’re playing well, as he’s doing, of course, of course. It’s all about consistency, it’s all about keep performing and if you’re doing well for your club, then there’s every chance you’re going to play, get picked for the national team.
“And if you’re playing well for your club in the Premier League, there’s always going to be people who are looking to bring quality players into their football club. The key is always performing and performing consistently well, and if you do that, at the highest level, then the rest follows, the rest follows, international honours follow, big moves follow.”
Presently, the goalkeepers in Didier Deschamps France squad are Lloris, Marseille’s Steve Mandanda and Mike Maignan of Lille. But with Lloris 34 years of age and Mandanda now 36, there certainly could be room for Meslier in the France set-up very soon.