Illan Meslier FM23: Wonderkid Or Bust?

Hey guys! Today we're diving deep into the world of Football Manager 2023 to talk about one of the most talked-about young talents: Illan Meslier. If you're a fan of scouting wonderkids and building a dynasty in FM23, then you've probably stumbled across his name. But the big question on everyone's mind is: Is Illan Meslier really the next big thing, or is he just another player who won't live up to the hype? We're going to break down his stats, his potential, and what it takes to get the best out of him in the game. So, grab your favorite brew, settle in, and let's get this analysis started!

Illan Meslier's Profile in FM23: The Nitty-Gritty

When you first load up Football Manager 2023 and start a save, especially if you're managing a team that needs a solid goalkeeper, Illan Meslier immediately pops up on the radar for many managers. He's usually at Leeds United, and his initial stats often scream 'potential'. We're talking about a young lad, often around 22 years old at the start of the game, which is practically a baby in goalkeeper years. This means he has tons of room to grow, which is precisely what every FM player dreams of. His physical attributes are usually pretty solid from the get-go. Think decent height, good reflexes, and a solid determination. These are the building blocks that make a top-tier goalkeeper. However, like many young players, his mental and technical attributes might be a bit raw. You'll often see his concentration, decision-making, and positioning needing a bit of work. But here's the magic of Football Manager: potential ability (PA). Meslier typically boasts a high PA, meaning with the right training, coaching, and game time, he can develop into one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We're talking about stats that could eventually rival the likes of Alisson or Ederson. The key here is that raw potential. It's like having a diamond in the rough. You know the potential is there, but you need the skilled hands to polish it into a sparkling gem. His stats in areas like handling, one-on-ones, and shot-stopping are usually promising, but it's the consistency that you need to build. This is where your coaching staff and your tactical approach come into play. Getting him the right training sessions, ensuring he's getting regular first-team action (or at least consistent game time in a less demanding league if he's not quite ready for your top-flight team), and keeping him happy are all crucial elements. Don't forget about his personality, too! A good personality trait can significantly boost his development. We'll get into the nitty-gritty of his specific stats later, but for now, just know that on paper, Meslier is a project with a massive upside. It’s the kind of signing that can define your save, bringing years of reliable service between the sticks and becoming a club legend. So, if you're looking for a goalkeeper who can grow with your team and eventually become a world-beater, Meslier is definitely a name you should be keeping an eye on in FM23.

The Pros and Cons of Signing Meslier

Alright, let's get real, guys. Every player, no matter how hyped, has their strengths and weaknesses. For Illan Meslier in Football Manager 2023, it's no different. First, let's talk about the pros, and there are plenty! Potential, potential, potential! This is the biggest draw. Meslier's high potential ability means he can evolve into a world-class shot-stopper. Imagine having a goalkeeper who can consistently pull off incredible saves, command his area, and distribute the ball effectively. That's the dream, right? His physical attributes are also a big plus. He's usually tall, which is crucial for dealing with crosses and long shots. His reflexes are often already very good, allowing him to make those reflex saves that leave opposition forwards frustrated. Plus, his determination is usually high, meaning he's likely to put in the effort required to improve. Value for money can also be a pro. Depending on when you sign him and what club you're managing, Meslier can often be acquired for a reasonable fee, especially if Leeds are relegated or if he's looking for a new challenge. This makes him an attractive option for clubs operating on a tighter budget. Now, for the cons. His biggest drawback, especially early on, is his consistency and mental attributes. We're talking about decision-making, concentration, and positioning. These can lead to costly errors, like rushing out unnecessarily or being caught out of position. This can be incredibly frustrating when you're trying to grind out a result. His distribution might also be a bit suspect initially, which is important in modern football where goalkeepers are often involved in building attacks from the back. You might find him giving the ball away cheaply more often than you'd like. Furthermore, development isn't guaranteed. Just because he has high potential doesn't mean he'll automatically reach it. He needs consistent training, good coaching, regular game time, and a bit of luck with injuries. If you don't have the right setup at your club, he might stagnate. Finally, work permit issues can sometimes be a problem if you're managing outside of England and he's still at a club where he doesn't automatically qualify. So, while Meslier offers incredible upside, you need to be prepared for the bumps along the road. It's a calculated risk, but for many, the potential reward is well worth it. You just need to be patient and provide the right environment for him to flourish.

How to Develop Illan Meslier into a Superstar

So, you've snapped up Illan Meslier in your Football Manager 2023 save, and now you're wondering, 'How do I turn this promising talent into a world-beater?' Fear not, my friends, because developing a young goalkeeper like Meslier is one of the most rewarding challenges in FM. It requires a strategic approach, a bit of patience, and the right resources at your club. First and foremost, consistent game time is non-negotiable. Whether he's your undisputed number one or you're rotating him, he needs to be playing regularly. If he's not getting enough minutes at your club, consider a loan spell to a team where he'll be a guaranteed starter. A loan to a Championship side or a mid-table team in a top league can be invaluable for his development. Next up is specialized coaching. You need a top-notch goalkeeping coach, and ideally, someone with a high 'working with youngsters' attribute. Focus his training schedule on his weaker areas: concentration, decision-making, and positioning. Use individual training sessions to fine-tune specific attributes. Don't neglect his reflexes and handling, either! You want him to be solid all-around. Mentorship can also play a huge role. If you have an experienced, high-reputation goalkeeper at your club, assigning Meslier as his understudy can be incredibly beneficial. He can learn from the veteran's professionalism, work ethic, and tactical understanding. Keep an eye on his personality – a professional or determined personality will aid his development significantly. Tactical familiarity is another key. Ensure he understands your defensive system and how you want him to play out from the back. This might involve specific instructions for your goalkeeper in the team instructions. Finally, manage his workload and development. Keep him happy, rotate him if he's fatigued, and monitor his progress closely. Celebrate his successes and provide constructive feedback after mistakes. Sometimes, you might need to tweak his training intensity based on his match performance and fatigue levels. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, guys. Developing Meslier requires a holistic approach, combining on-field experience with dedicated coaching and a supportive club environment. If you get it right, you'll have a world-class goalkeeper for years to come, a true testament to your managerial skills!

Meslier vs. Other Top Young Goalkeepers in FM23

So, we've sung the praises of Illan Meslier in Football Manager 2023, but how does he stack up against the other hotshot young goalkeepers on the game? It's always a fun debate among FM fanatics, trying to identify the next big thing. When you compare Meslier to players like Maarten Vandevoordt (Genk) or maybe Gavin Bazunu (Southampton, depending on the save start), you start to see the nuances. Vandevoordt often has an incredibly high potential and can be a bit of a beast physically, sometimes even more so than Meslier early on. However, Meslier might offer a slightly better starting base in terms of reflexes or aerial ability depending on the specific database. Bazunu, another promising talent, often comes with a slightly lower asking price and can develop into a very solid keeper, but Meslier might have the higher ceiling in terms of raw ability. The key differentiator often comes down to specific attributes and potential ability. While Meslier usually has that high PA, his mental attributes might need more work than some of his peers. Vandevoordt, for instance, might be more well-rounded mentally from the outset. However, Meslier's height and reach can be a game-changer, especially against certain types of attacks. It really depends on what you're looking for in a goalkeeper. Do you want a shot-stopping machine who needs some guidance on decision-making? Meslier could be your guy. Do you prefer a more complete, albeit perhaps slightly less spectacular, keeper from day one? You might look elsewhere. It's also worth considering team suitability. If you play a high line, you need a keeper with good command of their area and decent speed off their line – Meslier can grow into this. If you're more defensive, perhaps a keeper with exceptional reflexes is paramount. Ultimately, Meslier offers a fantastic blend of physical prowess and high potential that makes him a standout candidate. He's not necessarily the easiest young keeper to develop, as his mental side needs attention, but the rewards for nurturing him can be immense. He's a strong contender in the 'best young goalkeeper' debate for FM23, often providing that explosive potential that can elevate your team to the next level. It's about weighing his raw talent against the development time and resources required. He's a project, sure, but what a project he can be!

Conclusion: Is Meslier Worth the Investment?

So, after all that talk, the million-dollar question remains: Is Illan Meslier worth the investment in Football Manager 2023? My take, guys, is a resounding YES, but with a crucial caveat: you need to be willing to put in the work. He's not a plug-and-play, instant world-beater. He’s a project, a raw talent with immense potential that needs careful nurturing. If you're a manager who loves developing players, who has a good coaching setup, and who can provide consistent game time (or facilitate a good loan move), then Meslier can absolutely become one of the best goalkeepers in the game. His physical attributes are already impressive, providing a solid foundation. His high potential ability is the real draw, offering the chance to mould him into a truly elite player. You're essentially buying into a future star. However, if you're looking for an immediate, error-free number one for a top-tier club from day one, Meslier might cause you some headaches with his inconsistency and mental lapses. You'll need to manage those early-season mistakes and trust the process. For mid-table clubs, or teams looking to build for the future, he's an absolute no-brainer. He can grow with your team and become a cornerstone of your defense for a decade or more. The cost, when you consider his potential, is often very reasonable. He represents that classic Football Manager scenario: identify a high-potential player, invest in their development, and reap the rewards. So, in conclusion, if you're up for the challenge and have the right environment, Illan Meslier is a fantastic signing in FM23. He's a bit of a gamble, sure, but one with an incredibly high potential payoff. He’s the kind of signing that makes a save truly memorable. Go get him, train him well, and enjoy watching him develop into a superstar!