Didier Deschamps praises Mike Maignan following stellar display against the Netherlands

France manager Didier Deschamps has praised goalkeeper Mike Maignan following his impressive outing against the Netherlands.

Deschamps named Maignan France’s first-choice goalkeeper last Monday following Hugo Lloris’ retirement from international football.

The AC Milan shot-stopper made his debut as France’s number-one goalie in the 4-0 thrashing of the Dutch and barely put a foot wrong all game.

Les Bleus ran riot during Friday’s encounter as goals from Kylian Mbappe (2), Antoine Griezmann and Dayot Upamecano downed Ronald Koeman’s side.

Maignan was called into action deep into stoppage time when the Dutch were awarded a penalty, but the 27-year-old stood tall to deny Memphis Depay from the spot and secure a clean sheet.

In an interview with Telefoot journalist Saber Desfarges, Deschamps praised Maignan’s confidence and composure in saving the spot kick.

“He exudes so much confidence and serenity, plus he’s a leader,” he said. “I also had no doubts about Mike [Maignan], about what he is capable of doing,”

Maignan only returned from a lengthy injury lay-off last month but is already up to speed and back to his best for club and country.

The former Lille shot-stopper had just five caps for the French national team before the Netherlands game, but there is undoubtedly more to come, especially after Friday’s dominating display between the sticks.

Maignan has also been pivotal for his club side despite Stefano Pioli’s side struggling to establish themselves in the top four.

The Rossoneri look set to relinquish the Scudetto with runaway league leaders Napoli only a few fixtures away from being crowned champions.

Maignan has had his fair share of injury problems this season, having been restricted to just 14 appearances across all competitions while managing four clean sheets.

However, he will continue playing a key part in the Milan squad for the remainder of the campaign, with Pioli’s side still fighting to end the season with silverware after earning a place in the Champions League quarter-final.