Ewen Jaouen, a young French goalkeeper, has been making waves in the football world with his recent move to Newcastle United. The 20-year-old's potential has caught the eye of many, including goalkeeping legend Christophe Lollichon, who believes he could be a 'modern 'keeper'.
Jaouen's journey to the top has been an intriguing one. Initially, he was an avid follower of the Bundesliga, but his future seemed to lie elsewhere. Lollichon's words proved prophetic, as Jaouen's talent was soon recognized, leading to a move to Newcastle United.
The club is prepared to pay a hefty £18.5 million for a goalkeeper who has never played top-flight football before, a testament to his potential. Jaouen's clean sheet record for Stade de Reims in Ligue 2 is impressive, and his height, footwork, and ability to make big saves are all attributes that make him a prospect worth investing in.
Lollichon, who worked with Jaouen during a loan spell at USL Dunkerque, saw his progress firsthand. He noted that Jaouen was initially 'a little bit scared' about changes to his game, but he soon embraced the challenge. This was evident in his performance against top-level opposition in the French Cup and his crucial role in Dunkerque's semi-final run.
Jaouen's ability to remain calm under pressure, as demonstrated in a one-on-one situation against Jonathan David, and his composure in taking a penalty in a shootout, are qualities that set him apart. These skills, combined with his height and proactive nature, make him a unique prospect.
Newcastle's head coach, Eddie Howe, believes Jaouen has the 'calmness and presence that belies his age' and can 'grow and improve within our environment'. This move signals a shift in approach for the club, who are now looking at more targets on the continent who could flourish in the right hands.
Lollichon adds that Jaouen's proactive style is a rarity in England, where goalkeepers are often more reserved. However, he believes Jaouen needs to be helped to understand the advantage of playing proactively, which could make him 'very interesting'.
As Jaouen embarks on his first full season as a senior number one, all eyes will be on him to see if he can adapt to the Premier League's intensity and quality. His journey from Ligue 2 to the top flight is an intriguing one, and his potential to become a 'modern 'keeper' is a fascinating prospect for any football fan.
