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 2008™. 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, Grégory 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 Mickaël Landreau enduring a particularly difficult period at Ligue 1 strugglers Paris Saint-Germain FC and ACF Fiorentina's Sébastien 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 Cédric 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.
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