Officially promoted to the rank of number 1 in goal for the French team after the international retirement of his predecessor Hugo Lloris, Mike Maignan (28 years old) already has everyone in agreement. New captain of the Blues – who experienced a small revolution (departure of Raphaël Varane, Karim Benzema, Steve Mandanda) after the failure in the World Cup final last December – the AC Milan goalkeeper thus confirms the full extent of his talent. Once again called up by Didier Deschamps for the September rally, the one who is now preferred to Brice Samba and Alphonse Areola shines brightly and gradually establishes himself as one of the main leaders of the locker room. A logical takeover given his XXL performances achieved since the start of his “mandate”. A supremacy, moreover, encouraging a few months before Euro 2024, organized in Germany from June 14 to July 14.
Constant solidity, a first record!
A great architect of the defensive solidity displayed by the French team during these elimination phases, Mike Maignan can particularly congratulate himself on not having conceded a goal during the last five official meetings of the Blues. A first since 2007 and a performance that Hugo Lloris, for his part, had not been able to achieve in 14 years of presence in the French cages… Since his debut with the 2018 world champions, the native of Cayenne has also presented a rather confusing statistical line with 9 selections, 8 starts, 7 victories, 6 clean sheets and only 3 small goals conceded (one against Ukraine and two against Croatia). The first launching pad for this defensive rigor, Maignan (once again) showed himself to his advantage last Thursday at the Parc des Princes, during his team’s victory against Ireland (2-0).
“Magic Mike” is already winning over everyone!
Already decisive against the Netherlands (penalty stopped at the end of the match) or against Ireland during the first leg with several world-class saves, the former PSG and LOSC goalkeeper was particularly vigilant in pushing back the header by Chiedozie Ogbene (52nd). A remarkable performance, confirming his ease in taking over from Hugo Lloris in the French cages. Imperial on his line, solid in the air, precise in his restarts and precious in his communication, Maignan logically appears as one of the great architects of this tricolor wall. “Mike Maignan was great, especially in communication, so everything went well and I hope it continues like this”, remarked, in this regard, Dayot Upamecano at the final whistle. Laudatory words also present in the mouth of Franck Raviot, coach of the Blues goalkeepers since 2010.
Describing his protégé as “one of the greatest goalkeepers at international level”the latter also confided the way in which Maignan had managed this delicate handover with the Tottenham goalkeeper, record holder for selections for the French team (145 selections). “If Mike is an ambitious person, he has always shown a deep respect for the monuments of the post that were Hugo and Steve (Mandanda), as well as a great humility. He bided his time intelligently, skillfully, integrating into the France group in an admirable way. And when his time came, he knew how to take over in a remarkable way”assured Raviot in an interview given to Parisian. Now used to speaking in the locker room, especially during half-time, and very listened to by his partners, the 1m91 right-hander is today unanimous.
“Mike I have known him for a long time, even when he was in Ligue 1 I knew he was one of the best goalkeepers in the world”, added Aurélien Tchouameni with this in mind, aware of the feats currently achieved by his partner. Nominated for the Yachine trophy, rewarding the best goalkeepers of the year 2023, Mike Maignan confirms, in any case, his new status. That of a goalkeeper considered one of the most talented, capable of shining with the same regularity for club and national team. Aware of the situation, AC Milan has also started discussions to extend its number 16. Recently, Gazzetta dello Sport claimed, in this respect, that the French goalkeeper was demanding a salary of 8-10M, which would make him the highest paid player at the club. And for those who dream of seeing him, one day, return to the French capital, there is still hope. “I am Parisian, but today I am under contract with AC Milan. For the future, we cannot know…”
