Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has said that AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has got both potential and a strong presence in goal for the French national team.
Speaking during a press conference for the French national team ahead of their fixtures this week (via SempreMilan.it), Varane had nothing but praise for the Rossoneri shot-stopper who could be taking the place of the injured Hugo Lloris who tends to start for Les Bleus.
The former Real Madrid man discussed the calmness that comes with having Maignan in goal, which is something that defenders are always greatly appreciative of.
“Maignan is a goalkeeper who brings calmness, as well as having those skills in goal. He is a calm person, sure of his strengths and it is true that as a defender feeling that presence at the back is important,” Varane said.
He then alluded to the fact that the player signed from Lille has actually got the opportunity to become a lot better than he currently is, even though he is widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in Serie A.
“It is not only the potential he has but also the presence he has in goal,” he said.
France coach Didier Deschamps also had words of praise for Maignan, seeing the positives in the absence of Lloris from the team.
“Mike showed confidence and a very high level of performance at AC Milan last season, as did Lloris. I can’t complain about Hugo’s absence, it will be an opportunity for Mike to gain experience at international level,” Deschamps said.
“He already has some, he’s been with us often even if he hasn’t always been on the pitch. It’s a good thing, for me it’s a privilege to have such good goalkeepers.”
Yah and now he’s injured meaning is a problem for us now!