Illan Meslier invites young Leeds United fan to Thorp Arch after training video goes viral

We've found Leeds United's next number one...

A young Leeds United has taken the internet by storm this week after showing off his brilliant goalkeeper skills.

Leeds United fan Nathan Fanagan in action. (Image: @TheSJTobin)placeholder image
Leeds United fan Nathan Fanagan in action. (Image: @TheSJTobin) | other

Nathan Fanagan, 11, sent social media into a craze on Monday after his Mum posted a drill he invented in his back garden to keep himself sharp.

The young Whites supporter, who is from Dublin, is currently spending the majority of his time at home due to the recent coronavirus outbreak.

Nathan, though, hasn't let that stop him from working hard on his game when time allows.

The video has drawn plaudits from across social media and has gathered over forty thousand retweets since it was posted.

Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier has since invited the youngster to Thorp Arch for a training session in a video message posted online.

"I saw your video," Meslier said.

"I just wanted to say keep practicing, you're doing great.

"When we are able it will be great to have you come and practice with me at Thorp Arch."

Manchester United star Juan Mata has also said he would like to take free-kicks against him while David de Gea also tweeted about the clip.

Other goalkeepers such as Kasper Schmeichel and Ben Foster have all voiced their praise while Asmir Begovic has promised to send over a signed pair of gloves.

Sportswear giants Adidas have also said they'll provide some free kit for Nathan's local football team once the pandemic is over.

Nathan - whose Mum says is an avid reader of the Yorkshire Evening Post - is Leeds through and through and was wearing his Whites kit proudly when the video took off online.

"He's a die hard Leeds fan," she told the YEP.

"He and his Dad try to go over four or five times a season. They even have a centenary brick at Elland Road.

"He wants to know whether or not I'll be moving over to Leeds when he signs for them!

"Our cat Pablo was named after Hernandez too and his favourite player is Kalvin Phillips."

Nathan added: "I do it every day on my own in my back garden. My Mum usually takes a video and it gets a few hundred views, but this time it went bonkers!

"Ederson from Man City is my favourite goalkeeper."

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