Matvey Safonov is now becoming impossible to dislodge. Once again decisive against Strasbourg, PSG’s former number two has now taken the number one spot. Lucas Chevalier has reason to worry.
Wrapped up and almost hidden inside his hood on Sunday night in Strasbourg, Lucas Chevalier watched Matvey Safonov put on another show. With PSG under pressure, the Russian goalkeeper was outstanding and denied Joaquin Panichelli’s attempt. Moments later, Senny Mayulu opened the scoring.
Safonov Emerges as PSG’s Penalty Specialist
Matvey Safonov has become PSG’s go-to penalty stopper. Even though Chevalier also succeeded in his shootout during the Champions Trophy, the Russian is ahead. Safonov has saved five of the seven penalties he has faced, including four in the shootout against Flamengo. He does not always have many saves to make, but he delivers in high-pressure moments.
After the match, the goalkeeper kept his comments simple. “Saving a penalty is my job,” he said, emphasizing above all the importance of the victory. It’s an attitude that matches his discreet style since arriving at the club.
On his side, Luis Enrique praised Safonov’s penalty expertise, calling him the best goalkeeper he has ever known in that exercise thanks to his reading of shooters and anticipation. The coach made a strong choice in the last two matches, which may have sealed Lucas Chevalier’s fate. With the World Cup only weeks away, the timing could hardly be worse for the French team’s backup goalkeeper.
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