Lucas Chevalier couldn't ask for a better birthday present. The day after celebrating his 23rd birthday, the young LOSC goalkeeper was summoned for the first time to the French team by Didier Deschamps, to participate in the League of Nations matches against Israel and Italy, on November 14 and 17. . A real consecration for the man who played in Ligue 2, in Valenciennes, a little over two years ago.
Mike Maignan as mentor
A true child of the north, the native of Calais arrived at LOSC in 2014, at just 12 years old. Two years earlier, his parents refused an approach from RC Lens, in order to preserve the young boy. Chevalier is not the tallest goalkeeper (he is 1.89 m today), but compensates with enormous athletic qualities. The young man, who excels in all physical tests, has a great burst of speed and unusual relaxation for a boy of his age. He is upgraded every season, to the point of appearing in the professional group at the dawn of his 19th birthday.
Among the pros, he worked alongside starting goalkeeper Mike Maignan, whom he considered a true mentor. “He trained me, he allowed me to discipline myself mentally. […] Working with him for two years was the best training possible when arriving in a professional group” he said about her. The two men will be crowned champions of France 2021, the youngest not playing a single match.
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Lacking playing time, Chevallier was loaned to Valenciennes, a resident of the second division. Alongside Jérémie Janot, VAFC goalkeeper coach, the promising goalkeeper reveals himself and continues his tenure. He will receive his first call-up to the French junior team in March 2022, before returning to LOSC, where he wants to establish himself. Orphaned by Mike Maignan and unconvinced by the performances of the Croatian Ivo Grbić or the Brazilian Léo Jardim, the Lille leaders decided to propel the club's child to the position of number 1, from the 2022-2023 season. Lucas Chevalier played his first match in the elite against Marseille, before shining a few days later in the derby against Lens, stopping a penalty from Florian Sotoca. The goalkeeper will never leave his post again, establishing himself as one of the most successful goalkeepers in Ligue 1, despite his young age. His recent performances in the Champions League will therefore mean he is called up for the first time, this Thursday, November 7, for the French team.
A song in his name
The bond that Lucas Chevalier maintains with LOSC supporters is special. A true child of the club, at a period when the northern club was experiencing a hole in its training – after having trained players like Yohan Cabaye or Mathieu Debuchy, and before the emergence of Leny Yoro and Ayyoub Bouaddi – Chevalier is an example for young people from the center of the northern club. Upon his arrival in December 2020, President Olivier Létang put everything in place to one day see Lucas Chevalier play in the first team, and thus inspire future generations. So when the young goalkeeper flourished at Valenciennes, while Lille struggled to find Mike Maignan's successor, the fans demanded the return of their protégé. They will finally be listened to and will not be mistaken. Very attached to the club of his beginnings, Chevalier can boast of having a song in his honor. “He’s a local kid, he’s our number 1, he’s Lucas Chevalier, he’s Lucas Chevalier…” sing in chorus the Dogues supporters at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium during LOSC matches.
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Extended last year until June 2027, Lucas Chevalier, who now has international status, should not lack suitors during the next summer transfer window. So, will the supporters continue to raise their voices in tribute to their goalkeeper? Until then, Chevalier has time to enjoy.
