In a season in which Paris Saint-Germain won every available trophy except the FIFA Club World Cup, the question of improvement might seem almost redundant.
This is a team whose domestic dominance has long been established.
Yet, the 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League Final signalled a new era of continental authority, and they delivered their first Champions League title.
At the heart of this campaign stood Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose performances throughout the European run rekindled memories of his heroic displays at the European Championship in 2020.
Once questioned, his reputation appeared resurgent; his shot-stopping and command of the area played a big part in PSG’s Champions League campaign.
But in a move that has surprised many, PSG have opted to sign Lucas Chevalier from Lille, who is set to be the new number one.
Is this the result of a contractual impasse, or does it suggest a strategic adjustment?
What does Chevalier bring to the table that Donnarumma, for all his stature and experience, does not?
This player analysis explores the rationale behind Chevalier’s selection as PSG’s new first-choice goalkeeper.
Lucas Chevalier Vs Gianluigi Donnarumma Stats
A comparative glance at data from the 2024/2025 season gives Chevalier the edge over Donnarumma, but with a caveat: Chevalier played 34 games for Lille, while Donnarumma featured in only 23 matches for PSG in Ligue 1.
Chevalier conceded 1.06 goals per game, a marginally lower figure than Donnarumma’s 1.08.
The importance of this difference becomes clear when considering that Chevalier faced 126 shots, nearly double Donnarumma’s 74, over more matches.
The save percentage further separates their performances.
Chevalier posted a 74.6% save rate, while Donnarumma registered 67.6%.
Such a gap, over the course of a full season, can represent many decisive interventions and points won.
This pizza chart shows Lucas Chevalier’s percentile rank across various goalkeeping metrics, distribution, and defensive actions for the 2024/2025 season.
Several areas stand out positively for Chevalier.
He excels in clean sheets (90th percentile), conceded goals per 90 (85th percentile), and save rate (65th percentile), all well above the median of 50.
His passing volume and accuracy are also strong, with passes per 90 (85th percentile), accurate passes (70th), and received passes per 90 (80th).
Lucas Chevalier Pizza Chart
As shown in a league fixture versus his new club, Chavelier makes a remarkable save by not over-committing to the right side.
When a pass is played across the box, the expectation is for the receiver to shoot across goal.
However, Chevalier is light on his toes and is able to make the save at his near post.
