Jesse Marsch is shining up Leeds United's next Champions League diamond

With the departure of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha this summer, Leeds United’s squad is in transition and building for its next phase. Mateusz Klich, Stuart Dallas, Rodrigo, Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper and Adam Forshaw are all into their 30s.

They are not going to be around long enough to be the backbone of this squad over the coming years, so attention turns to that next crop behind them. Patrick Bamford, Robin Koch and Jack Harrison look well placed to spend their best years at Elland Road, but will they hit the same levels as Phillips and Raphinha?

Illan Meslier’s age and experience make him stand out across Europe. The France under-21 international has all the talent at his disposal to become one of the continent’s foremost goalkeepers.

Every word Jesse Marsch said on Meslier leadership, Davis's trial and Harrison's Leeds United future

If he continues on the path many expect, he is sure to become the next big talent Champions League contenders look to at Elland Road in the future. Of course, Leeds may well match the Frenchman's trajectory with European football of their own. Three saves like those we saw in the first half on Sunday are reminders of what United have at their disposal.

After a season in which only Norwich City conceded more, with errors like those at Arsenal fresh in the mind, it has been easy to forget the 22-year-old’s immense potential. Jesse Marsch’s job is to tease out that next development surge.

Marcos Abad takes care of the on-pitch goalkeeping work, but Marsch made a point of talking up his stopper’s leadership role after the game. “We know he's a big goalkeeper with massive potential,” he said.

“He continues to find his presence within the group. He's very likeable, but we also need them to be a