Didier Deschamps confirms Mike Maignan as France number one following Lloris retirement

France national team head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Mike Maignan will be the first-choice goalkeeper for the team.

He announced the decision in his press conference this afternoon. It is a decision that comes following the retirement of long-time stalwart Hugo Lloris.

“The number one position is Mike Maignan’s,” said Deschamps (via RMC Sport). “I am going to have discussions as well. There will be a hierarchy. It’s important.”

The Tottenham Hotspur goalie announced that he was quitting international football following the end of the 2022 World Cup.

Maignan did not go to the tournament in Qatar after suffering a calf injury. It kept him out until last month when he returned for the Rossoneri.

The former LOSC Lille shot-stopper immediately reclaimed his starting berth from Ciprian Tatarusanu.

Maignan helped Milan keep a clean sheet against Atalanta in his first game.

He was also crucial for Milan as they booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 0-0 draw against Tottenham in London.

Maignan made an incredible save in the last minute to deny Harry Kane a goal.

The Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate is one of the most dominant keepers around. He commands his box with authority.

The 27-year-old is very good with his feet and confident with his deliveries. He is also an outstanding keeper with agility, quick feet and reflexes.

While Maignan is the first-choice keeper, there are still questions about who will be his back-up.

Deschamps called up West Ham United’s Alphonse Areola and RC Lens’ Brice Samba for the upcoming matches against the Netherlands and Ireland, but he has other options.

Leeds United’s Illan Meslier and Lille’s Lucas Chevalier are also on the periphery of the discussion.