In a surprising twist for fans around the globe, Luis Enrique is confident that goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier will elevate Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) performance, particularly aligning with their dynamic style of play.
Chevalier’s skills have drawn comparisons to a five-a-side player, thanks to his impressive touch, vision, and ability to deliver precise passes, breaking lines effectively from the back.
When PSG is in possession, Chevalier can seamlessly transition into an outfield role, contributing to attacking plays that initiate from their defensive zone.
While replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma presents a significant challenge, Chevalier proved his mettle as Lille’s number one during the 2022-23 season after just one year in Ligue 2 with Valenciennes, showing that he can thrive under pressure.
Last season, Chevalier was recognized as Ligue 1’s top goalkeeper, boasting 11 clean sheets as his team secured a fifth-place finish, along with earning a call-up to the senior French national team.
Paul Robinson, a former England goalkeeper, shared insights on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Luis Enrique’s decision on the goalkeeper position is monumental. While Gianluigi Donnarumma is a classic shot-stopper, modern keepers are expected to play a pivotal role in the defensive buildup.”
“Enrique is adapting to the evolving strategies of contemporary teams that prioritize building from the back. PSG is striving for that extra edge, and they believe Chevalier can help sharpen their approach.”
Chevalier’s potential impact was evident in his debut against Tottenham, where PSG took an audacious approach by opting for short goal kicks and displaying confidence in his distribution during regular play.
Although he could have done better with Cristian Romero’s header that put Spurs ahead 2-0, Chevalier showcased excellent reflexes with a remarkable save against Joao Palhinha, even though Micky van de Ven capitalized on the rebound.
During the subsequent shootout, he redeemed himself by saving Van de Ven’s penalty as PSG rallied to victory after trailing 2-0.
Luis Enrique’s decision to bench Donnarumma in favor of the young French talent is a bold maneuver, but it could prove to be a stroke of genius if Chevalier lives up to the high expectations set before him.