Restes Assured: France & Toulouse's unbeatable Olympic goalkeeper
One To Watch
France's Olympic team are yet to concede a single goal in the tournament as Thierry Henry's side gear-up for a crunch quarter-final against Argentina this evening (21:00 CET). A decisive 3-0 win against the United States kicked off the tournament on a positive note, before two more defensive shutouts against Guinea (1-0) and New Zealand (0-3).
Guillaume Restes has been a reliable force between the sticks during France's Olympic tournament. Les Bleus were certainly thankful for two important saves from the Toulouse goalkeeper in France's opening game against Brenden Aaronson, before being saved by the post which was struck by USA's John Tolkin. Against Guinea, VAR intervened twice to deny Restes' opposing attackers. But the old adage rings true for goalkeepers: you make your own luck. Despite only making four saves during these Olympics, Restes, along with Paris FC shot-stopper Obed Nkambadio have both combined to keep France's defensive record in shape.
"I don't know if I've got the midas touch, but it's a good start of the competition for me, that's for sure," the 19-year-old goalkeeper told L'Équipe following France's win over Guinea. Over the last season, including his time with France's U23s and at Toulouse FC in all competitions, the post has saved Restes 35 times. "The 35 posts include last season," he explains. "And, since this summer, it's a new season, so for the moment, I've only got two (Smiles.)"
His skills aren't limited to keeping the ball out of the net. Restes is also known for his technical distribution - specifically playing a pinpoint long-ball to beat the opponent's press. "It's true that I have responsibilities with my feet, but you mustn't do anything foolish either, you mustn't overplay your hand."
As France face Argentina tonight in a repeat of the 2022 World Cup final, Les Bleus are going to need all the quality they can get from their young shot-stopper.
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