In making a decision that has surprised many in world football, Luis Enrique believes Chevalier will improve PSG even more, especially with his team’s playing style.
The French keeper has been likened to a five-a-side player because of the quality of his touch, vision and ability to break lines with his passing from the back.
Chevalier can effectively turn into an outfield player for PSG when in possession as they look to build an attack from their own defensive line.
Replacing Donnarumma will be tough, but he stepped up successfully as Lille’s first choice in the 2022-23 season after just a season in Ligue 2 with Valenciennes. Pressure should not be an issue.
Chevalier was named Ligue 1’s best goalkeeper last term with 11 clean sheets as his side finished fifth, while earning a call-up to France’s senior squad.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “The goalkeeper situation is a huge decision from Luis Enrique. Gianluigi Donnarumma is the best shot stopper and he is the best version of the older-style goalkeeper, but they have been replaced by the modern-day keeper who play in the defensive third.
“Luis Enrique is leaning into the way that modern teams want to play and build from the back. PSG are looking for that ninth degree, that tiny little bit of percentage of advantage and with Lucas Chevalier they feel they can further refine their style.”
Signs of what Chevalier will bring were seen during his debut against Spurs, with PSG opting to go short on goal-kicks and showing no fear when using him in general play.
He should have done better with Cristian Romero’s header that put the Premier League side 2-0 ahead, but showed great reflexes in a stunning save to push Joao Palhinha’s effort on to the bar, although Micky van de Ven netted the rebound for Spurs’ opener.
Chevalier then stopped Van de Ven’s penalty in the shootout as PSG won after a superb comeback from 2-0 down.
It was a bold move by Luis Enrique to drop Donnarumma and turn to the Frenchman, but one that could prove a masterstroke in the future if Chevalier lives up to great expectations.
