This evening, Paris Saint-Germain will launch their new season against Mallorca in a friendly. For the occasion, Luis Enrique summoned a group of 23 players, where several globalists are still missing. On the other hand, we do find Lucas Chevalier and Matvey Safonov. The two goalkeepers will embark on a new showdown for a starting place. A place that was promised to the Frenchman last season after his arrival from Lille for €55 million. But he ultimately lost his place to the Russian, who knew how to seize his chance. Back in training for a few days, the goalkeeper also published a message on Telegram in order to deliver his first impressions as he begins a new year in the Parisian jersey.
Safonov returns to No. 1
“A long vacation offers the opportunity to rest and take a break from football. This is essential after a long season, when fatigue sets in. However, two months can also lead to a significant drop in fitness. It is therefore logical that after such a break, comprehensive pre-season preparation is essential. The first week of preparation is therefore already behind us. It was dedicated to getting back into shape and technical work. We now need to readjust to the rhythm of daily training and lay the foundations for the next stage. This week has been a real emotional elevator. Between fatigue, intensive training and getting back into rhythm, I constantly oscillated between drowsiness and total apathy, and moments of intense energy and freshness.
He added: “even on the mornings when I felt almost at my best, once there, I realized that it was only an illusion. I got back into the rhythm. I reviewed the fundamentals, and we will get back into shape thanks to the matches. On the 5th, we will face Mallorca, and on the 8th, Manchester United. These are interesting friendly matches, perfect to prepare for our first official match on the 12th.” Before the European Super Cup match against Aston Villa in a week, Safonov and PSG will prepare this evening against Mallorca. Lucho should distribute playing time, particularly between the goalkeepers. Subsequently, Safonov should retain his number 1 place. But he will still have to face Chevalier, who wants to fight for his place. But the probable arrival of Zion Suzuki risks reshuffling the cards.
A new goalkeeper named Suzuki
It’s no secret that the people of Ile-de-France really appreciate the Japanese’s profile, particularly his kicking game. Discussions are progressing positively with Parma. It remains to be seen whether PSG will recruit him and loan him so that he has playing time, or whether the French club will make him Safonov’s understudy or even competitor. Which would lead to Chevalier leaving. In Russia, all this is already being talked about in the media, who see Suzuki as a player who can overshadow the goalkeeper of the national team. This is the case of Sport Express. “Matvey Safonov will not lead a quiet life at PSG. Last season, our goalkeeper clearly supplanted the young Luc Chevalier, tipped to become number one. The young Frenchman frankly faltered, was content with the bench, and could leave Paris this summer.
SE continue: “but that doesn’t mean things will be easier for Safonov. It is therefore very likely that an official announcement concerning the arrival of a new goalkeeper at PSG will be made soon (with Zion Suzuki, editor’s note). Does this mean that Safonov’s position will be seriously threatened? Absolutely not! Matvey had an exceptional season last year (…) But the future remains uncertain. Directly comparing the statistics of Safonov and Suzuki is complex, their contexts being too different. Matvey, for obvious reasons, has faced fewer shots on target than a mid-table Serie A goalkeeper, but his save percentage is higher (75% vs. 70%). Zion likes to come out of his cages (and does so successfully), is comfortable with his feet and masters crosses from the wings. In summary, he has a modern profile highly sought after by the big clubs.
Russia wonders
The Russian media adds: “Matvey inherits an intelligent, versatile, impressive and simply formidable competitor. But it is far from perfect. If the Russian’s performance is not perfect, Suzuki could have a lot to do. Sport Express believes that Suzuki, who had to face problems of racism particularly in the Japanese selection, is a more serious and mentally strong competitor than Chevalier, than Safonov “devoured”. Sovsportfor his part, writes: “PSG could part ways with Chevalier, but the situation will not be simpler for Safonov. They found a competitor in Japan.” A player who is more frightening than the Frenchman, even if we estimate that Safonov will start.
“What are Suzuki’s strong points? His kicking game is undeniably remarkable. Many foreign experts have pointed this out and agree that the Japanese goalkeeper is an excellent representative of the “new school” of goalkeepers. In other words, he excels not only in his goal, but also in creating attacks. His exceptional reflexes are also worth mentioning. They often allow him to make spectacular saves. There are also weak points. Zion lacks confidence in his throws and interceptions. For a top team, this is a significant weakness, but it is an aspect that can and should be worked on. What can Safonov offer in response? Obviously, excellent play on the line, in close duels, and much better consistency on passes from the wings.
The Japanese is a stronger competitor than Chevalier
The publication adds: “Overall, Safonov’s place in the starting XI at the start of the season seems assured, even in the event of a transfer from Suzuki. The Russian has already established himself at the highest level and convinced Luis Enrique of his potential. The main thing is that Safonov remains number one. Chevalier and Suzuki could both land a spot on the team if they can get past him. But for the moment, there is nothing to suggest that Matvey will be dislodged. Championship already talks about Suzuki like “Safonov’s new rival”. Same for Soccer.ru who writes: “Safonov will have competition. PSG is strengthening its goalkeeping sector.”
The media concludes: “rich clubs like to combine two successful goalkeepers. This strategy often leads to disappointment for one of them, even if their opponent is much older. However, Safonov and Suzuki are only three years apart, which places them in the same generation. Matvey has Champions League play-off experience, experience that Zion lacks. Luis Enrique has understood that the Russian goalkeeper fits perfectly with Marquinhos and Pacho. Matvey is also able to project forward by finding Hakimi and Mendes on the wings. It even happens that Safonov clears into touch, but this is also wanted by Enrique. Suzuki still has a lot to learn before taking Matvey’s place.” However in Russia, where we do not understand PSG’s desire to recruit again for this position, we already seem to fear the Japanese.
