by The footwork of the Catalan goalkeeper, Pau López, has rarely sparked as much debate around his figure as the current season at Marseille. The former Espanyol goalkeeper has great ball handling, but it is the same reason why the fans of the French club break out in a cold sweat every time the game passes through his boots.
The risk that his game entails, some of his fans do not forgive him, even though everyone coaches who have gone through OM recognize his ability with his feet or the express desire to start the game through his figure.
The Catalan, who moved an idol of the OM fans such as Steve Mandanda from goal, is making it clear what the reasons are for the technicians who decide to bet on him. Pau López told France Football last May about his posture when passing the ball past his feet, “From the outside, one could think that my game is risky, but since I know what I’m going to do when the striker approaches, it’s not that dangerous. It’s the visual impression that makes people sweat, nothing more. On the pitch, there is much less fear. And I think the Vélodrome has gotten used to it,” he said.
The problem lies when during this season, the Catalan goalkeeper has made several major mistakes in tight games. After a difficult start to the course, Gatusso’s team oxygenates a large part of its football through Pau López.
The Spanish goalkeeper’s left foot often gave Marseille a break, especially in games against teams that press with more players in three thirds of the field. The best possible data is that Pau effectively keeps 98% of his passes short, but the percentage drops to 61 when it comes to long passes.
The difference between last season and this one is that the club followed the footwork of its goalkeeper, while this season gave a terrible start to all competitions, the OM fans are more concerned with their goal.
