What if Didier Deschamps upset the established order? With the exception of Mike Maignan, we cannot really say that the goalkeepers of the France team are having happy days before the World Cup. Promoted to number 2 in the selection in recent months, Lucas Chevalier is now a replacement at PSG in the shadow of Matvey Safonov, which could have a great influence on the hierarchy of goalkeepers among the Blues. Brice Samba’s situation is no more exciting in Rennes, since the 31-year-old goalkeeper was left out of the Breton group against Lens last weekend by Habib Beye, who has since been sacked.
Regarding Alphonse Areola, called up by DD during the last two World Championships (2018 and 2022), it is difficult to predict a return to the selection for him at the moment. The PSG-trained goalkeeper was put on the bench during West Ham’s last two matches by Portuguese coach Nuno Espirito Santo. Suffice it to say that the mystery remains surrounding the identity of the two guards who will accompany Maignan to the United States. Especially since Jean Butez, stunning with Côme, and Robin Risser, stunning with Lens, have seen their candidacy gain legitimacy in recent weeks. Calling the third best goalkeeper, or the best third goalkeeper, the nuance is important and DD knows it.
“In October, many said that Chevalier would perhaps take Mike Maignan’s place”
On the sidelines of the draw for the next Nations League, in which he will not however participate (the competition will begin in September), the French coach was questioned about the specific case of Lucas Chevalier. He acknowledged that his goalkeeper’s situation was not obvious, without getting too far ahead: “in October, many were saying that Chevalier was perhaps going to take Mike Maignan’s place… so things are moving quickly in football. A lot can happen between now and Marchhe confided to the microphone of the L’Équipe channel. Goalkeepers, like certain outfield players, can have a period where they are less well, playing less, even if the goalkeeper position is a specific position.
“If Lucas doesn’t play? Don’t ask me the question, we’ll see in due time, I’ll let you lead the debates, there will be in-depth reflection because it’s a special position, obviously playing is important, there is a number 1, 2, 3… Jean Butez and Robin Risser? I’m not going to say that everyone has a chance, they are good goalkeepers, we follow them, it’s not because they haven’t been selected… Without going into detail because you will interpret, but the position of goalkeeper is very specific… the experience and the experience are. But if I tell you that, you’ll say to yourself “that’s it, he’s going to take the guys who don’t play”, but that’s part of the thinking. We still have time, we’ll have to see, but obviously Lucas’ situation is not the best for him, for us… but hey, he’s in his club, it’s Luis Enrique who decides, it could change. If things evolve in the right direction, so much the better, for him and for us.» He has three months left to convince his audience.
