Editorial – Chevalier’s profile, stats and why PSG are backing him

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·11 août 2025

Editorial – Chevalier’s profile, stats and why PSG are backing him

Lucas Chevalier, a 23-year-old goalkeeper from Neo-Paris, arrives in Paris to take a new step after three seasons in Lille where his progress was consistent. Here is an overview of the player, his story, some statistics, and his potential for the Parisian club.

Path & History

Introduction

Name: Lucas Chevalier
Nationality: French
Age: 23 years old (born on November 6, 2001)
Position: Goalkeeper
Previous Club: LOSC Lille

Training and beginnings

Training clubs: Dunkirk then LOSC Lille (renowned training center)
First professional steps: Integrated into the LOSC pro group in 2020-2021, then a decisive loan to Valenciennes (Ligue 2) in 2021-2022.

Career

Lille: Progression from the bench to starting goalkeeper from the 2022-2023 season.
Valenciennes (loan, 2021-2022): Starter, notable season (30 matches).
Return to Lille: Established as number one, increasing attractiveness on the transfer market.
2025: Arrival at PSG on 09/08/2025

National selections

France U16-U21: Starter in the youth teams, U21 Euro played.
France A team: Presence in the expanded group, official A selection, cited as a potential successor in the medium term.

Analysis

Lucas CHEVALIER of Lille during the Ligue 1 MCDonald’s match between Lille and Marseille at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on May 4, 2025 in Lille, France. (Photo by Philippe Lecoeur/FEP/Icon Sport) – Photo by Icon Sport

Vidéos OneFootball

Recent Statistics

48 matches and 4350 minutes: Undisputed starter at Lille, one of the most used players in the squad.
Clean sheets: 13
Goals conceded: 53
Average ratings: (Sofascore: 7.11)

Main Qualities

Reflexes on his line: Especially on short-range shots (high % of saves, decisive saves).
Reading of the game: Good anticipation in aerial exits (21 exits outside the box, top 5 Ligue 1 for a goalkeeper).
Footwork: Precise (83% successful passes), ability to play long balls.
Coolness under pressure: Few technical faults, solid mentality in big matches.
Leadership: Directs his defense, recognized for his leadership temperament despite his young age.

Areas for Improvement

Risky clearances: Sometimes in difficulty against high opponent pressing, some dangerous losses (4 errors leading to a shot).
Aerial game can be improved: Although very present, he lacks physical domination on some contested crosses.
Experience at the very top level: Not yet accustomed to constant European stake matches (no Champions League to date).
Discipline: 1 expulsion this season for late intervention outside the box.

Comparison with Ligue 1 and the "Big 5" goalkeepers

*Sources: Fbref, Sofascore, Datamb, Whoscored

Potential

Lucas CHEVALIER of Lille celebrates during the Ligue 1 MacDonald’s matches between Toulouse and Lille at Stadium de Toulouse on April 12, 2025 in Toulouse, France. (Photo by Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport) – Photo by Icon Sport

Summary

Indispensable to Lille: Undisputed starter, directly responsible for the good defensive record.
Tactical importance: Footwork used for quick clearances, high defensive block strategy facilitated by his exits.

Potential for Evolution

Ready for the next level: Capable of adapting thanks to his situational intelligence.
Upcoming challenges: Establish himself in a star-studded locker room (PSG), withstand the pressure of big European matches.
Prospects: A "modern" goalkeeper profile that could join the rotation of the France team as early as 2025-2026.

Comparisons with Donnarumma

There are few references for Safonov, Tenas and Marin to dare a comparison. The three players have either played little, or have not yet been very analyzed in their performances (Renato Marin).

Conclusion

Lucas Chevalier ticks all the boxes of the modern goalkeeper: technical, calm, good at clearing, charismatic and strong in duels. He progresses each season and seems ready for a top European club. A starting role in the short term with PSG is conceivable, as is a new step in the A selection.

The challenges remain a stabilization in the Champions League and an assertion over time, but his margin for progression is very significant. Without injury or sudden stop, he embodies the potential number 1 of French goalkeepers of his generation.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.