While PSG has won the title, Areola’s playing for his future
PARIS (AP) Although Paris Saint-Germain has easily won the French title, Alphonse Areola still has plenty to play for.
The next four games could be crucial in deciding whether PSG keeps the goalkeeper or tries to sign a big name in the transfer window, possibly Thibaut Courtois. The 25-year-old Areola is the same age as Courtois, but has nowhere near the international standing of the Chelsea keeper.
It is hard for Areola to stand out, however, in a team noted almost singularly for its attacking prowess. While PSG has already scored more than 100 league goals, and remains on course to reach 100 points this season, Areola has rarely been talked about.
The common perception is that PSG will thrash teams in the French league, so letting in a goal or two is irrelevant.
However, Areola has been one of PSG's most consistent players this season, and last Sunday he made a personal record of eight saves in a 1-0 win at Bordeaux.
He was also one of the few PSG players to come through the loss to Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League with any credit. Without Areola's shot-stopping, and particularly his bravery rushing off his line, the 5-2 aggregate loss would have been bigger.
With 104 goals, PSG's attack is the best in the league by far and has netted 25 more than deposed champion Monaco.
But PSG's defense is also the best and Areola has conceded only 21 goals in the 31 he has played. Although PSG has dominated most of those, losing only twice all season, he has still made on average four saves per game.
Having replaced Kevin Trapp as No. 1, Areola has missed only three league games all season. It represents a reversal for both.
When Trapp was signed by former coach Laurent Blanc in 2015-16, Areola went on loan to Spanish club Villarreal. He established himself as regular in Villarreal's side and gained further experience in the Europa League. Spanish media were largely impressed by his consistency and his agility on the goal-line.
He returned to PSG and battled with Trapp for the starting position last season. But coach Unai Emery seemed unsure who he really preferred, with Trapp starting 24 games to Areola's 14. PSG ended up losing the title to Monaco.
But the hierarchy is much clearer now and the error-prone Trapp, once hailed by Blanc for his passing out from goal, is the one expected to leave.
Areola has further incentive to do well with the World Cup coming up. He is challenging Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda to be France's No. 2 behind Hugo Lloris in Russia. For now, Areola is a squad member but has yet to make an international appearance under coach Didier Deschamps.
But he has done well at every level for France, starting with the under-16s a decade ago. He got his first taste of international success when he helped France win the Under-20 World Cup in 2013.
While Paul Pogba was one of the stars of the tournament, Areola's crowning moment came in the final itself. France drew 0-0 with Uruguay and he saved two shots in the penalty shootout. Prior to the shootout he had a word with France's designated penalty takers, confidently telling them ''do your job and I'll do mine.''
With Emery almost certain to be replaced next season, it promises to be a frenetic offseason of buying and selling at the club.
But whoever replaces Emery should perhaps think twice before letting Areola leave. The Parisian-born Areola came through the youth ranks at PSG, as did center half Presnel Kimpembe and midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
Star-studded sides like PSG often import their best players and fans are happy to see them arrive, because it shows ambition. But they nevertheless identify more closely with homegrown talents such as Areola.
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Jerome Pugmire on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeromepugmire