At the start of the campaign, Nîmes Olympique goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni set himself a number of objectives for his return to the top flight…
“I wanted to gain experience, progress, perform regularly, earn points for my team, and help the club avoid relegation!” he explained to the Ligue 1 Show on beIN SPORTS.
Sixteen games in, and the France U21 international has kept more clean sheets than Olympique de Marseille’s Steve Mandanda, Olympique Lyonnais’ Anthony Lopes and even Paris Saint-Germain’s goalkeeping great, Gianluigi Buffon.
The basis for Les Croc’s bite
Singlehandedly earning valuable points for his team, the 21-year-old has been one of the stars of Nimes’ improbable rise into the top half of the table.
Watch: Highlights of Nîmes 0-0 draw with Reims – just one of Bernardoni’s five clean sheets this season!
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In August 2015, Bernardoni took his first steps in Ligue 1 Conforama with ESTAC Troyes. Then, before his 19th birthday, he signed for Girondins de Bordeaux, where, as Les Girondins’ first choice, his lack of experience began to show.
Determined not to see the subsequent loan to second division Clermont Foot 63 as a setback, the 6′ 2″ shot-stopper responded in style last term, and was named Domino’s Ligue 2 goalkeeper of the season.
‘I know what I’m capable of’
“I know full well what I’m capable of,” Bernardoni explained. “Last season I think I proved that I have what it takes to be consistent over the course of an entire season. Now I’m back in the top flight so it’s up to me to continue to perform regularly. I have to keep working hard, going over every mistake, always looking to improve!”
The youngest goalkeeper to have saved a penalty in the French top flight this season, Bernardoni is distinguishing himself on a weekly basis at Nîmes, in what is his second loan spell away from Bordeaux.
Bernardoni (r.) has won ten caps with the France U21s.
‘Told me I’d enjoy my football’
“I was looking for game time and when I had the sporting director, Bernard Blaquart and the goalkeeping coach on the phone, it was very clear. All three promised me that I’d get game time, that I’d enjoy my football, and that they’d help me improve!”
Commanding in the box, capable of brilliant reflex saves and barer of two steel wrists, Nîmes’ rising star has become a legitimate candidate to join the senior France set-up, though he won’t get carried away yet.
“There are a number of lads ahead of me, and who have been there for while already! I’m fully focused on the France U21s and Nîmes, that’s enough for now!”
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