We could almost forget his age, only 22 years old. After a complicated season, like his team, FC Nantes goalkeeper Alban Lafont stepped back on the accelerator. Excellent on his line – one of his main qualities since his beginnings -, the young captain comes out of two huge performances against the champions of the championship, Paris Saint-Germain and Lille. Against the Mastiffs, the ex-porter of TéFéCé and Fiorentina even allowed himself to deflect a penalty, the first arrested in Ligue 1, this season. What attract the attention of Didier Deschamps and try to shake up the hierarchy behind Hugo Lloris?
Antoine Kombouaré got him back on his feet
By disembarking at La Jonelière to save the Yellow House, Antoine Kombouaré did much more than allow his training club to remain at least one additional season in the top flight. He’s also grown a squad and manages to get the best out of a lot. This is the case of the former protégé of David Marraud. “When I got here I found a keeper who was in trouble, who doubted, released the Kanak before the Marseille reception on Wednesday evening. This level, knowing its qualities, it was not possible. He was not in it and he is largely responsible. “
He has reached a milestone in terms of maturity. The captain’s armband gives him responsibilities and he likes it. Today, he is fulfilled.
The problem is that “he was not working“, dixit Kombouaré. The situation has changed. His performances are affected.”is a boy who can be decisive in a match, he can earn points in a season, assured a few months ago his former trainer at the Federal Hope Center in Castelmaurou, in Haute-Garonne. He was not mistaken. After pulling out all the stops against Metz at the start of the season, then facing the promoted Trojan, Alban Lafont has further raised the bar in his last two matches. “He likes these meetings, says Pedro Chirivella. We know we can count on him.“
– Pascal Guyot
Progress in the game on foot before knocking on the door of the Blues?
With the second best average for a goalkeeper in the daily L’Equipe (5.93) and in the top 5 goalkeepers who make the most saves with already 45 saves on the clock, the former Bleuet with more than 200 matches in professional is one of the sure values of the Yellow this season. “This year, he’s a great Alban, is satisfied the successor of Raymond Domenech. It’s a very important element for the team, on and off the pitch. He’s more mature. The captain’s armband gives him responsibilities and he likes it. Today he is fulfilled. “
I have no doubt that Didier Deschamps has an eye on him. Now it’s up to him to do whatever it takes to knock on the door someday.
From there to say that he has crossed a course? “Every time I play a good game, I get asked this question“, annoys the player under contract with the Canaries until June 2024. His sometimes imprecise kicking game which places him on the podium of the players who have missed the most clearances?”We talk a lot about my kicking game but I don’t agree, he assures. I still have to improve in several areas and I am working very hard to get there.” With the declared ambition of one day to join the France A team. “I have no doubt that Didier Deschamps is keeping an eye on him, breathes Antoine Kombouaré. Now it’s up to him to do whatever it takes to knock on the door someday. “ Starting with a new XXL match against OM.