Areola makes stunning debut in Bleu

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Making his debut for Les Bleus, the French World Cup winner and Paris Saint-Germain 'keeper was instrumental in bringing back a point from the scoreless draw away to Germany on the opening day of the Nations League in Munich.

The Paris No.16 made a series of spectacular saves to deny Reus (64'), Hummels (75') and Ginter (76'), and preserve a share of the spoils until the final whistle. Areola made six saves in total, more than any other France 'keeper in the last ten years!

"I am very happy for him, proud of what he has achieved tonight," enthused France coach Didier Deschamps. "Playing in your first cap is never easy, but he shows a lot of confidence and calmness, like he does with his club. It was a great debut and it will hold him in good stead for the future."

Alphonse became the 55th player to represent France while also playing for Paris Saint-Germain and the 12th player to emerge from the Paris youth academy and go on to play with Les Bleus after Luis Fernandez, François Brisson, Jean-Claude Lemoult, Amara Simba, Nicolas Anelka, Richard Dutruel, Mamadou Sakho, Clément Chantôme, Kingsley Coman, Adrien Rabiot and Presnel Kimpembe.

GERMANY 0-0 FRANCE (H-T: 0-0)
UEFA Nations League - Group 1 - Matchday 1
Allianz Arena (Munich)
GERMANY: Neuer (c) - Ginter, Boateng, Hummels, Rüdiger - Kimmich, Kroos - Müller, Goretzka (Gündogan, 66'), Werner - Reus (Sané, 83'). Coach: Joachim Löw.
FRANCE: Areola - Pavard, Varane (c), Umtiti, Lucas - Pogba, Kanté - Mbappé, Griezmann (Fekir, 80'), Matuidi (Tolisso, 86') - Giroud (Dembélé, 66'). Coach: Didier Deschamps.

UEFA Nations League - Group 1:
1. France / 1 point
2. Allemagne / 1 point
3. Pays-Bas / 0 point

 

*Sont uniquement comptabilisés les joueurs passés par le Centre de Formation du Paris Saint-Germain et ayant disputé au moins un match officiel avec l’équipe première du club de la capitale.