PROFILE | Lucas Perri proving worthy successor to Lyon great | OneFootball

Lucas Perri arrived in Lyon with the knowledge that he would not instantly be a starter. Out of respect to Anthony Lopes, who has been at the club his whole professional career, Perri was benched until the summer transfer window whilst the Portuguese international continued to operate in his role as the Rhône club’s number one goalkeeper.

The Brazilian stopper was forced to spend the first six months of his time in France on the bench as a result but was offered opportunities to impress in the Coupe de France after completing his move from Les Gones’ sister club Botafogo. From the Round of 16 stage, the 27-year-old was instrumental in a run that saw them reach the final of the competition.

Keeping two clean sheets during his first four matches for the club, he showed his dependability between the posts ahead of assuming the role of being first choice. Nevertheless, he was truly depended on in OL’s 0-0 draw against Strasbourg in the quarter-finals which led to a penalty shootout. The Racing club’s Thomas Delaine was the first to step up and the former Botafogo stopper was able to deny him with a great save to give his side a dream start in the shootout. This intervention would eventually be crucial as Lucas Perrin missed Strasbourg’s fifth penalty, Les Gones had confirmed their place in the semi-finals.

Perri justifies OL’s choice

It wasn’t meant to be for Lyon as they were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain in the final, but one positive they could take from their run to the final were the promising performances of Perri.

Now operating as the first-choice keeper this season, he has continued to deliver on this promise. Les Gones have started the season in a much more business-as-usual-like approach compared to last season and the former Brazil youth international has added an increased level of security to the backline. Upon becoming the Ligue 1 outfit’s number one, the Brazilian goalkeeper said, “I’m happy. I think becoming number 1 is recognition for a job well done. I believe in hard work, it shows everything I’ve been able to do during pre-season.”

His upgrade to first choice has been seen as controversial due to the club’s deemed mistreatment of one of their longest-serving players in Lopes but has shown why he deserves the spot with some impressive displays. Perri has kept five clean sheets in 15 Ligue 1 appearances thus far this season.

GFFN | Liam Wraith