Championship defender says 'unbelievable' Leeds United man denied him significant career landmark

The Dutchman is yet to find the net for the Black Cats since joining from PSV Eindhoven's youth teams over the summer, but came within a fingertip of opening his account at the Stadium of Light when Sunderland hosted Leeds.

United stopper Meslier pulled off an 'unbelievable' save during the first half to keep scores level on Wearside, diving to his right to deny Seelt the game's opening goal. Sunderland's in-swinging corner was met by the youngster's towering header, which would have seen him register a first goal in the professional game for a senior club. The Dutch defender has since discussed that chance, which he admits thinking was destined for the back of the net.

"It was so close," the 20-year-old said. "I was already celebrating but it was an unbelievable save from the goalie. I think we were really a threat from set-pieces, so if we just go on like that we can score more.

"I think I did an OK job [against Leeds]. You need to be on every moment. Every moment something can happen, [Crysencio] Summerville, [Dan] James are really good players, really quick. I think we as a defence did really well, we speak a lot and it was just a good feeling," Seelt told reporters.

Leeds were subsequently beaten 1-0 as Jobe Bellingham's second half effort did beat Meslier and in turn deny him a second successive clean sheet in the league. Additionally, Leicester City and Ipswich Town both came from behind to win in midweek, opening the gap between Leeds and the automatic promotion places to ten points.