Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has reportedly been trying to bring PSG’s Ligue 1 champion to the Premier League since 2017.
UEFA would have been hoping for Germany and France to play out a goal-laden classic to ring in their new Nations League tournament in style. But, thanks largely to Alphonse Areola, the heavyweight clash between the two most recent World Cup winners finished goalless.
Areola, making his France debut in the place of Hugo Lloris, was by far a dull game’s standout performer.
In fact, he made more saves against the Germans (6) than any over France goalkeeper has had to make in a single game for the last ten years. And one of those stops was simply outstanding, clawing away a point-blank header from Mattias Ginter in the second half.
On this evidence, it is clear why Rafa Benitez has reportedly wanted to bring Areola to Newcastle United since 2017.
France Football claimed a year ago that the Magpies were preparing a £13.3 million bid for the one-time Villarreal loanee, who went on to win Ligue 1 last season with Paris Saint-Germain.
The same publication then stated 12 months later that Benitez was still hoping to sign the 25-year-old, having contacted him about a move to St James’ Park on several occasions.
Martin Dubravka has been solid between the sticks but Areola, on last night’s evidence, is a world-class shot-stopper in the making.
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