One To Watch: Lucas Perri, future Lyon number one? | OneFootball

Olympique Lyonnais were lent a big helping hand from second goalkeeper Lucas Perri to advance to the semi finals of the Coupe de France in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Groupama. Has Les Gones' Brazilian goalkeeper staked his claim to become number one at Lyon?

It may be too premature to assume that the power dynamic has shifted between the sticks at Olympique Lyonnais, yet current second keeper Lucas Perri was vital in Les Gones progression in the Coupe de France to the semi-finals against RC Strasbourg in a penalty shootout on Tuesday evening (4-3). The Brazilian shot-stopper made a decisive save in the all-important first attempt made by Strasbourg's Thomas Delaine in the penalty shootout. During the match, Perri was also on hand to reliably keep RCSA's attacking threat at bay. "It was a very important win for us. We need to keep going and keep getting positive results. Today was very difficult but the lads did a great job and I'm proud of them," the 26-year-old keeper told beIN Sports. "The supporters? The relationship with them is incredible, the atmosphere is superb, and I'm very happy to have won this match."

Watch: Lucas Perri's vital save in the Coupe de France

Perri set to become Lyon's first-choice keeper next season?

At 1.97m tall, his frame is imposing on the goal. "Lucas takes up space in goal, and that has a psychological influence on the opposition," explained his coach Pierre Sage on Tuesday evening. "He was determined to be decisive in his first penalty shoot-out and he did what he had to do. I'm happy for him, but I'm also happy for all the goalkeepers and their coach."

The current Brazil national team third-choice keeper came to Lyon this January after making 54 appearances for fellow John Textor-owned club Botafogo in Brazil this season, where he held one of the highest save-percentages in the division. His position in the Brazil national team sees him only behind Man City's Ederson and Liverpool's Alisson - the sign of a serious talent in the works at 26 years-old. Perri is tipped for the number one spot at Lyon next season, but he'll have the tough task of dislodging OL's legendary long-term keeper Anthony Lopes.