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Young keepers enter French reckoning
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Steve Mandanda (France) (¿AFP)
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The exceptional form of two young goalkeepers is giving
France coach Raymond Domenech plenty to think about as he looks ahead
to choosing his squad for UEFA EURO 2008T. Olympique de Marseille's Steve
Mandanda and Hugo Lloris of OGC Nice may be only 22 and 21 respectively,
yet both have been inspirational with their clubs in recent times, prompting
speculation that Domenech may spring a surprise by straying from the established
order in Austria and Switzerland.
Domenech faith
With long-time No1 Fabien Barthez retired, Gregory Coupet has been pencilled
in as France's first choice this summer, and Domenech recently confirmed
his faith in the Olympique Lyonnais veteran, saying: "It's important
to have stability in this position and Greg is ahead of the others at
the moment." The identity of the two other goalkeepers is uncertain,
however, with Mickael Landreau enduring a particularly difficult period
at Ligue 1 strugglers Paris Saint-Germain FC and ACF Fiorentina's Sebastien
Frey making a costly mistake on his international debut against Ukraine
in November.
Dramatic rise
Mandanda's rise has been particularly dramatic. The former France Under-21
international only made his Ligue 1 debut last August, having joined Marseille
on loan from Le Havre AC. Signed as back-up to Cedric Carasso, he seized
his opportunity when the club's then first-choice custodian sustained
a serious ankle injury and has never looked likely to relinquish the starting
jersey, even though Carasso has returned to full fitness. Marseille have
naturally wasted no time in signing him on a permanent deal.
Stunning saves
Mandanda's calm temperament and stunning reflex saves helped the Mediterranean
giants recover from a poor start to their campaign, and his remarkably
mature display against Liverpool FC in the UEFA Champions League in September
enabled Erik Gerets' men to become the first French side to win at Anfield.
"This kid is probably the calmest player in my squad," Gerets
enthused.
Lama model
There has been no dip in standards since that eye-catching start. Mandanda
is already drawing comparisons with his idol, the former France international
Bernard Lama, and was called up to play for a France B team against DR
Congo last month. On Sunday, after Marseille's 2-0 win over AS Saint-Etienne,
Mandanda was asked by French television if he had made plans for the summer.
"I've already got my holidays booked for June," he replied,
and was immediately advised to check if the booking was refundable.
Lloris call-up
Les Bleus certainly seem well stocked in the goalkeeping department. Lloris,
the current U21 incumbent, may be less spectacular than Mandanda but his
performances have been every bit as effective this term, and Domenech
did not hesitate in calling the youngster up for the recent friendly against
Spain. "We need to prepare for the future," the coach said.
Barthez praise
A commanding, local-born shot-stopper, Lloris has established himself
ahead of Lionel Letizi for the past two seasons at Nice and, while his
performances have been extremely consistent, it was only after his heroics
in a goalless draw at Lyon in December that he began gaining the recognition
he deserves. "Hugo has taken a big step forward this season,"
Barthez said. "He was injured in the autumn but he seems to have
come back as an even stronger, more experienced goalkeeper." With
Domenech preparing to name his squad to play England on 26 March, Lloris
and Mandanda could hardly have staked their claims in more impressive
fashion.
en.euro2008.uefa.com,
11 March 2008
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