Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon has admitted that he sees Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper Alphonse Areola as a step above Tottenham Hotspur shot-stopper Hugo Lloris.

Areola made his senior debut for France during their 0-0 draw in Berlin during the world champions’ UEFA Nations League clash against Germany in Munich on Thursday night.




The 25-year-old was Les Bleus' only ray of sunshine in a gloomy performance as he kept Germany at bay with a number of crucial saves in the second half.

The PSG shot-stopper started the game due to injuries suffered by Lloris and Steve Mandanda, and grew into his role as the game progressed on the night.
 


The Frenchman denied Mats Hummels first before tipping a chip from Thomas Muller over the bar, but the best of his saves on the night came later when he denied Matthias Ginter from close range to salvage a point for the visitors.

Lollichon was quick to point out his preference for the youngster ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s Lloris and added that Areola has the right attributes to play regularly for Les Bleus.

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“For me he is the best French goalkeeper today”, Lollichon told French daily Le Figaro.

“He has all the attributes to be the France number 1. He is the goalkeeper who is most adapted to the game of Les Bleus.

“We fantasise a little too much about Lloris, but for me Areola is above him”, he added.

Chelsea were linked with Areola in the summer, but the Blues opted to go with Kepa Arrizabalaga instead, in a move that made the Spaniard the most expensive goalkeeper of all time.