You Won’t Believe Who He Picked!’ – Meslier’s Shock Claim Stuns Lineker and Shearer”
Lineker and Shearer Stunned by Leeds Star Illan Meslier’s Pick for Toughest Premier League Opponent
When footballers are asked to name their toughest opponents in the Premier League, the answers are often predictable. Names like Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, or Harry Kane tend to top the list. So when Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier recently revealed the team he found most challenging in England’s top flight, it caught many by surprise—none more so than Premier League legends Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.
The two former England internationals, now prominent pundits on BBC’s Match of the Day, were visibly taken aback by Meslier’s unexpected choice. The French shot-stopper’s candid response defied the conventional wisdom surrounding Premier League powerhouses and sparked an intriguing debate among fans and analysts alike.
Meslier, speaking during a media appearance following a training session with the French U21 squad, was asked which Premier League side gave him the most trouble during his time as Leeds United’s No.1. After a brief pause, he replied with a sense of certainty that immediately caught the attention of the interviewers and football media alike: Crystal Palace.
Yes—Crystal Palace. Not Manchester City. Not Liverpool. Not Arsenal. The Eagles, who have often hovered around mid-table in the Premier League standings, were the team that Illan Meslier singled out as the most difficult to face.
The Surprising Reason Behind the Pick
When pressed for his reasoning, Meslier explained:
“People expect me to say someone like City or Liverpool, but Palace always felt different. Their attacking players are quick, unpredictable, and powerful. I’ve had some of my toughest games against them—not just physically, but mentally. They create chaos in the box, and as a keeper, that’s a nightmare.”
Indeed, a deeper dive into Meslier’s performances against Crystal Palace supports his claim. In Leeds’ recent Premier League campaigns, Meslier conceded a number of goals to Palace in high-pressure matches. The Eagles seemed to always find a way to disrupt Leeds’ defensive structure and capitalise on individual errors or moments of lapse in concentration.
Crystal Palace’s dynamic forward line—featuring the likes of Wilfried Zaha (before his departure), Eberechi Eze, and Michael Olise—has long been praised for its ability to unsettle defences, particularly on the counter-attack. Their ability to isolate defenders in one-on-one situations and exploit open spaces often makes them more dangerous than their league position suggests.
Lineker and Shearer React
The reaction from Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer came during a segment of The Rest is Football podcast, where the pair discussed unexpected picks for toughest opponents. When Meslier’s comments were brought up, Lineker laughed in disbelief:
“Crystal Palace? Really? I wouldn’t have guessed that in a hundred tries.”
Shearer, while initially surprised, gave a more analytical take:
“Actually, it makes some sense. Palace might not dominate possession like City or Arsenal, but they’re deadly in transition. For a goalkeeper, dealing with quick breaks and unpredictable movement is incredibly tough.”
The conversation sparked broader debate among fans, some of whom praised Meslier for his honesty, while others questioned whether he might be exaggerating. Still, many acknowledged that Crystal Palace, though not a traditional Premier League powerhouse, could be a stylistic nightmare for certain teams—especially for one like Leeds United, known for their high-risk, high-reward approach under Marcelo Bielsa and later Jesse Marsch.
A Style That Causes Havoc
Meslier’s reflection brings attention to a critical but often overlooked aspect of football analysis—matchups. While it’s easy to assume that the “best” teams are also the “toughest” to play against, football is rarely that linear. Certain teams’ tactics, formations, or individual players pose unique problems that go beyond league rankings.
In Crystal Palace’s case, their strength lies in fluid attacking transitions, individual flair, and a fearless approach against bigger clubs. This has often translated into memorable performances against more fancied teams. For Leeds, whose defensive structure has frequently been questioned during their Premier League campaigns, the pace and unpredictability of Palace proved particularly punishing.
Meslier recounted a particular match at Selhurst Park where Palace beat Leeds 5–1, a scoreline that highlighted just how overwhelmed the Leeds defense became under sustained pressure.
“That game was chaos,” he recalled. “I couldn’t even catch my breath. It felt like every attack could be a goal. That’s why, for me, Palace are the toughest. It’s not about the names on the back of the shirt—it’s about how a team makes you feel under pressure. Palace always made me feel that way.”
Recognition for the Underappreciated
The goalkeeper’s comments have also reignited discussion around how mid-table clubs like Crystal Palace are perceived. Too often, the focus remains on top-six narratives, but teams like Palace—who consistently hold their own and play with a distinctive identity—deserve recognition.
Managerial influence also plays a role. Under Patrick Vieira and later Oliver Glasner, Palace developed a more assertive playing style, combining defensive discipline with bursts of attacking flair. These tactical shifts may not always lead to top-four finishes, but they do make life very uncomfortable for teams that attempt to dominate possession or play a high defensive line.
What It Says About Meslier
Illan Meslier’s candid revelation also speaks volumes about his maturity and self-awareness as a young goalkeeper. Rather than opting for a safe or politically correct answer, he offered a personal perspective grounded in lived experience. It’s a refreshing contrast to the rehearsed answers often heard in player interviews.
At just 24, Meslier already has over 100 Premier League appearances—a rare feat for such a young goalkeeper. His insight offers a reminder that elite-level footballers often have unique, experience-based evaluations that don’t always align with pundit consensus or fan expectations.
Final Thoughts
In a league as competitive as the Premier League, where tactical nuance and player quality vary widely, it’s these kinds of insights that enrich the broader conversation around football. Meslier’s pick of Crystal Palace may seem unconventional, but it highlights the hidden layers of challenge that certain teams pose, often flying under the radar.
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer’s reactions, while initially amused, ultimately gave way to acknowledgment of a deeper truth: in football, the toughest opponent isn’t always the biggest name—it’s the one that finds a way to break your rhythm and make you doubt your instincts.
And for Illan Meslier, that opponent is Crystal Palace.