Chevalier's blunder raises more doubts about PSG selling Donnarumma

PARIS (AP) — Whereas Gianluigi Donnarumma acquired the most effective males’s goalkeeper award on the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday night time, Lucas Chevalier concurrently endured a torrid time as Paris Saint-Germain misplaced at Marseille 1-0.

Chevalier didn’t cope with a cross from the proper and was simply overwhelmed within the air as Nayef Aguerd scored with a towering header at Stade Velodrome.

Not solely was Chevalier not close to the ball, his proper arm was flailing and his again was turned — hardly authoritative goalkeeping. The early objective put PSG on the again foot and allowed Marseille the prospect to dictate the tempo.

Time will inform if PSG coach Luis Enrique made a rash determination to promote the 26-year-old Donnarumma, who has but to even attain his prime years.

Chevalier changed Donnarumma at PSG this season in a transfer that appeared stunning, particularly contemplating how Donnarumma’s shot-stopping within the knockout levels proved essential to PSG profitable the Champions League. Luis Enrique even described him as “a titan” after the win at Arsenal within the first leg of their semifinal.

Chevalier is vastly extra inexperienced than Donnarumma, the penalty-stopping star for Italy when it gained the European Championship in 2021 and for PSG towards Liverpool within the Champions League spherical of 16.

Donnarumma has performed 76 instances for Italy, whereas Chevalier has but to play for France and has just one season of Champions League expertise behind him.

However Luis Enrique needed a distinct type of goalkeeper, one with superior passing capability from the again to permit his staff to play barely larger up the sector; basically a goalkeeper-sweeper who doubles as one other outfield participant.

Donnarumma made a number of blunders passing the ball out throughout his 4 seasons with PSG, and this was reportedly a key consider Luis Enrique’s determination to purchase Chevalier from Lille for round 40 million euros ($47 million).

Nonetheless, when he was underneath stress on Monday late within the recreation towards Marseille, Chevalier’s hurried move virtually led to a second objective when a Marseille participant closed him down.

When Donnarumma introduced final month he was leaving PSG, he didn’t maintain again his frustration. Though he didn’t title names it appeared apparent who he blamed.

“Sadly, somebody has determined that I can now not be a part of the group and contribute to the staff’s success,” he posted on Instagram. “I’m dissatisfied and disheartened.”

Donnarumma was praised within the British media for his efficiency at new membership Manchester Metropolis after the 1-1 draw towards Arsenal final Sunday. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta detailed his spectacular timing and his presence within the penalty space.

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