Lucas Chevalier’s Rise as PSG’s New No. 1
Paris Saint-Germain have made a bold shift between the posts this summer, and it’s causing plenty of headlines. Lucas Chevalier, the 23-year-old goalkeeper signed from Lille, has been installed as PSG’s new first choice — a move that effectively pushes Champions League winner Gianluigi Donnarumma toward the exit.
It’s not that Donnarumma’s ability has suddenly declined. Far from it. Last season, he was sensational on the biggest stages — remember those decisive stops against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final? Those moments helped PSG reach the final and reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the best pure shot-stoppers in the game. But football isn’t just about shot-stopping anymore, and that’s where Luis Enrique’s vision comes in.
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PSG want a goalkeeper who acts like an extra outfield player, someone who’s comfortable inviting pressure, splitting the lines with passes, and building attacks from the back. Chevalier fits that profile perfectly. At Lille, he was known for stepping high out of his box, creating extra passing angles, and mixing short, sharp passes with pinpoint long balls to relieve pressure. In Enrique’s possession-heavy system — PSG averaged over 68% of the ball last season — that kind of proactive involvement is invaluable.
Donnarumma, while a safe passer in controlled situations, hasn’t been as naturally inclined to play that risky, press-baiting role. Under Enrique, that’s a tactical limitation. It’s not about replacing one of the world’s best shot-stoppers; it’s about finding someone who ticks all the boxes for the style PSG want to master.
There are differences in aerial presence too. Despite Donnarumma’s imposing height at 6ft 5in, he tends to stay on his line more often, leaving defenders to contest high balls. Chevalier, at 6ft 2in, is more aggressive, regularly coming out to claim crosses or intercept cutbacks. That decisiveness allows the back line to push higher with more confidence.
The change hasn’t gone down well with Donnarumma or his camp. He’s publicly voiced disappointment, saying someone at the club decided he could no longer be part of the project. His agent, Enzo Raiola, has even hinted at legal action over what he sees as a lack of respect. PSG, meanwhile, have reportedly set a €30 million price tag, with Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United linked — though no firm offers have been made.
For PSG, this is about long-term alignment. Chevalier is young, technically adept, and tactically suited to Enrique’s vision. For Donnarumma, the future remains wide open — in the right system, his elite shot-stopping could still be the decisive factor in winning titles. But in Paris, the winds have changed, and the first line of attack will now start with Lucas Chevalier.
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