Since joining AS Monaco in the summer for around €13 million, Benjamin Lecomte has wasted little time establishing himself at his new club.
Aside from the rare error, the experienced goalkeeper has emphatically proven why he’s one of the finest net minders in Ligue 1 by producing a series of brilliant performances for Leonardo Jardim’s men. Continuing on from his excellent from at Montpellier, which saw him deservedly earn nominations for the Ligue 1 goalkeeper of the year in each of his two terms with La Paillade, Lecomte has been a shining light for Monaco.
Regularly saving his team with his quality shot stopping, he’s certainly been key towards Monaco currently sitting in equal 10th in the standings following their torrid start to the season.
Athletic and with fantastic reflexes, the 28-year-old’s shown off his razor sharp reactions to keep out opponents. Predicting what his opponent will do next and adjusting his feet and body position accordingly, he’s given himself the best chance to keep out any incoming shots from a variety of areas. Closing off angles shrewdly and limiting the area of goal to aim at for his foes, Lecomte’s usually positioned soundly to deal with whatever is thrown at him.
Amazing reflex save by Lecomte
Quick to get down low, spring laterally or burst vertically, he’s proven how good he is in 1v1s or at dealing with close range shots. In addition, showing conviction when coming off his line, has further compounded issues for opponents, with his speed seeing him race out swiftly to quell the danger.
Wicked reaction save with his foot
Terrific diving stop to save the free kick
Making a slick save after rushing off his line and closing the angle
Getting down rapidly to make a fine save
Springing upwards rapidly to make a brilliant save
Possessing a strong command of his area and so fast to pick up the ball’s velocity and trajectory when deliveries are played into the box, there’s been much to admire about how he launches out to deal with these scenarios. Authoritatively commanding his area while exercising good judgement, opponents haven’t found it easy to get the better of him in open play or set piece instances.
Not afraid to put himself in harm’s way if it means cutting out the danger, his bravery and dedication has also endeared himself to his teammates and the fans.
Setting himself well and remaining very concentrated to deal with a large variety of situations, this has given him a fine platform from which to be so effective. Keeping three clean sheets so far, a number he’ll be looking to build on, Lecomte’s certainly adapted to life at Monaco smoothly, as he’s been a formidable net custodian.
Meanwhile, his distribution has added additional reason for positivity, for his customarily classy long throws and passing over all distances has seen him find his teammates effectively to kick start attacking moves. Whether building out with short passes, bypassing the press to go long to the likes of Islam Slimani or Wissam Ben Yedder, switching the play precisely to the wingbacks or hitting penetrative line breaking vertical passes, his aptitude in this regard has been very beneficial.
Super long throw to set up a counter
Fantastic pass to instigate a great attacking move
Looking into his statistics, and the talented keeper stacks up well too, for he’s completing 23 of his 27 attempted passes per game on average, 1.7 jumping saves pg, 1.4 interceptions pg, 3.3 overall shots saved pg (third most in Ligue 1), 1.9 super saves pg and has the second highest reflex save percentage in the league on 71.43%.
Gunning for a spot in Didier Deschamps’ France side for Euro 2020, Lecomte, who missed out on the latest squad but has been included in previous ones, is giving himself every chance of fulfilling his ambition. “That’s part of the goals (to make the Euros). I want to progress further to win titles. The Euro is next year and a season passes extremely fast. It will be my club performances and what I give in the league that will allow me to be or not be in the list of three (keepers) for this Euro,” he asserted.
At the peak of powers and demonstrating what an elite operator he is, keeping track of his progress as the season rolls on for both club and country will be fascinating, as he hopes to propel Monaco to the European places and obtain selection for the Euros next summer.