Illan Meslier FM24: Is He Worth Signing?

Oct 23, 2025 by Faj Lennon 41 views

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the world of Football Manager 2024 (FM24) and talk about a goalkeeper who's been making waves – Illan Meslier. If you're scouting for a reliable shot-stopper to guard your net, Meslier might just be the answer. In this article, we'll break down his stats, strengths, weaknesses, and overall potential in FM24 to help you decide if he's the right fit for your squad. So, grab your manager's hat, and let's get started!

Who is Illan Meslier?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of his FM24 attributes, let’s get to know Illan Meslier a bit better. Meslier is a French professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Leeds United. Born on March 2, 2000, he's still relatively young for a goalkeeper, which means he has plenty of room to grow and develop in your FM24 save. Known for his agility, reflexes, and commanding presence in the box, Meslier has quickly become one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the Premier League. His real-life performances often mirror his virtual capabilities, making him a popular choice among FM players.

In Football Manager, having a top-notch goalkeeper can be the difference between winning titles and finishing mid-table. A reliable keeper can save you crucial points, especially in tight matches where every save counts. This is where Illan Meslier comes into the picture. His combination of current ability and potential makes him an attractive prospect for many clubs in FM24. Whether you're managing a top-tier team or building a club from the ground up, Meslier’s skills and growth potential can significantly impact your team's performance. Plus, signing a player with Premier League experience means he can adapt quickly to the demands of top-flight football, giving you an edge right from the start.

Moreover, Meslier's age is a significant advantage. Unlike older, more established goalkeepers who might be nearing the end of their careers, Meslier has many years ahead of him. This means you can invest in him knowing that he will likely improve and become a mainstay in your squad for seasons to come. His potential to develop into one of the best goalkeepers in the game makes him a valuable asset, especially if you're planning a long-term save. Investing in young talent like Meslier is a strategy that pays off in the long run, providing stability and quality between the posts for years to come.

Illan Meslier's Key Attributes in FM24

Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks and examine what makes Illan Meslier tick in FM24. His attributes are the bread and butter of any player evaluation, so we’ll break them down into key areas.

Goalkeeping Stats: First and foremost, his goalkeeping stats are crucial. Look for high ratings in areas like reflexes, aerial reach, handling, and one-on-ones. These stats determine his ability to make crucial saves, command his area, and deal with crosses effectively. A goalkeeper with high reflexes can react quickly to close-range shots, while good aerial reach allows him to claim high balls and relieve pressure on your defense. Handling is essential for holding onto the ball after a save, preventing rebounds that could lead to easy goals for the opposition. And of course, being strong in one-on-one situations is vital for denying clear goal-scoring opportunities.
Mental Attributes: Don't underestimate the importance of mental attributes. Determination, concentration, positioning, and decisions are key for a goalkeeper. A determined goalkeeper will always give his best, pushing himself to improve and perform consistently. Good concentration helps him stay focused throughout the match, even when he's not constantly involved in the action. Positioning is crucial for being in the right place at the right time to make saves, while good decision-making ensures he chooses the best course of action in different situations, whether it's coming off his line to intercept a through ball or staying back to protect his goal.
Technical Skills: While not as critical as goalkeeping stats, technical skills still play a role. Kicking, throwing, and communication are important for distributing the ball effectively and organizing the defense. A goalkeeper with good kicking ability can launch accurate long balls to start counter-attacks, while strong throwing skills allow him to quickly distribute the ball to his teammates. Effective communication is essential for organizing the defense, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working together to prevent the opposition from scoring. Look for decent stats in these areas to ensure he’s not a liability when the ball is at his feet.

When assessing Meslier's attributes, it’s important to consider the overall balance. A goalkeeper with exceptional reflexes but poor aerial reach might struggle with crosses, while one with great handling but low concentration could be prone to costly errors. The best goalkeepers have a well-rounded skillset, excelling in multiple areas and minimizing weaknesses. So, take a holistic view of Meslier's attributes to determine his suitability for your team.

Strengths of Illan Meslier in FM24

So, what are Illan Meslier's standout qualities in FM24? Let's highlight some of his key strengths:

Reflexes: Meslier is known for his lightning-fast reflexes, making him an excellent shot-stopper. This is crucial for dealing with powerful shots from close range and reacting quickly to deflections.
Aerial Reach: He possesses a good aerial reach, allowing him to confidently claim crosses and high balls, relieving pressure on your defense.
Agility: Meslier's agility enables him to move quickly across the goal and make acrobatic saves. This is particularly useful for dealing with shots that are directed towards the corners of the goal.
Potential: Being relatively young, Meslier has significant potential for growth. With the right training and game time, he can develop into one of the best goalkeepers in the game.
Adaptability: Playing in the Premier League, Meslier is already accustomed to a high level of competition. This means he can quickly adapt to different tactical setups and playing styles.

These strengths make Meslier a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their goalkeeping options. His ability to make crucial saves, command his area, and distribute the ball effectively can significantly improve your team's defensive stability. Moreover, his potential for growth means he can become an even more valuable player in the future, providing long-term stability and quality between the posts.

Weaknesses of Illan Meslier in FM24

Of course, no player is perfect, and Illan Meslier has his weaknesses in FM24. Being aware of these can help you manage him effectively and address any shortcomings through training.

Consistency: Like many young players, Meslier can sometimes struggle with consistency. He might have brilliant performances followed by occasional lapses in concentration, leading to errors.
Command of Area: While his aerial reach is good, his command of the area can sometimes be lacking. He might hesitate to come off his line in certain situations, leading to missed opportunities to intercept crosses or through balls.
Decision-Making: His decision-making can be inconsistent, particularly under pressure. He might make the wrong choice when distributing the ball, leading to turnovers in dangerous areas.
Strength: Compared to some of the more physically imposing goalkeepers, Meslier might lack strength. This can make him vulnerable in physical battles with opposing players, particularly when defending set-pieces.

Understanding these weaknesses is crucial for managing Meslier effectively. By identifying his areas for improvement, you can tailor his training to address these shortcomings and help him develop into a more well-rounded goalkeeper. For example, you can focus on improving his concentration through mental training, work on his decision-making through tactical sessions, and enhance his command of the area through positional drills. Additionally, you can provide him with experienced mentors who can guide him and help him learn from their experience.

How to Train Illan Meslier in FM24

So, you've signed Illan Meslier. Great! Now, how do you turn him into a world-beater? Here’s a training guide to maximize his potential:

Goalkeeping Focus: Dedicate a significant portion of his training to goalkeeping-specific drills. Focus on areas like shot-stopping, handling, and aerial reach to improve his core skills.
Mental Training: Implement mental training sessions to improve his concentration, determination, and decision-making. This will help him become more consistent and reliable under pressure.
Tactical Training: Include tactical training to enhance his positioning and command of the area. This will help him make better decisions when coming off his line and dealing with crosses.
Physical Training: Don't neglect physical training. Focus on improving his agility, reflexes, and strength. This will help him become more athletic and resilient.
Mentoring: Pair him with an experienced goalkeeper to provide guidance and support. A good mentor can help him develop his mental attributes and learn from their experience.

By following these training guidelines, you can help Meslier reach his full potential and become a top-class goalkeeper. Remember to monitor his progress regularly and adjust his training accordingly to ensure he continues to develop and improve.

Is Illan Meslier Worth Signing in FM24?

So, the million-dollar question: is Illan Meslier worth signing in FM24? The answer, like with most things in Football Manager, is: it depends. If you need a young, high-potential goalkeeper with excellent reflexes and aerial reach, then Meslier is definitely worth considering. His strengths make him an immediate asset, and his potential means he can become a world-class player with the right development.

However, if you already have a top-tier goalkeeper or are on a tight budget, you might want to explore other options. Meslier's weaknesses, such as his consistency and decision-making, can be frustrating at times, and he might require significant training to overcome these shortcomings. Additionally, his price tag might be a barrier for smaller clubs with limited resources.

Ultimately, the decision to sign Illan Meslier depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Consider your team's current situation, your long-term goals, and your budget before making a move. If you do decide to sign him, be prepared to invest time and effort in his development to unlock his full potential.

In conclusion, Illan Meslier is a promising goalkeeper in FM24 with a lot to offer. His strengths make him a valuable asset, and his potential means he can become a top-class player with the right development. Just be aware of his weaknesses and be prepared to invest time and effort in his training. If you do, you might just have a world-beater between the posts for years to come. Happy managing!