Against Strasbourg Walter Benitez reached the impressive landmark of 150 appearances for OGC Nice.

He would most definitely have wanted a better result in his 150th game than a defeat against Strasbourg, marked by an Ajorque brace (0-2). But with a bit of hindsight the Argentine man mountain will be able to look back at his journey since his arrival in the summer of 2016 when he joined from Quilmes. He took a bit of time to make his mark on the Rouge et Noir goal, but Benitez was able to mix patience and hard work to improve with the Gym. After a first start against Krasnodar, on December 8, 2016, a few days before his first Ligue 1 appearance against Bordeaux. He had to wait until a game at the Parc des Princes, on October 27, 2018 when he replaced Cardi to have his first run of games.

After once more being challenged by other keepers the following summer, Benitez came off the bench once more at the Groupama Stadium on August 31, 2018 putting in an “exceptional” performance to lead the Aiglons to victory (Matchday 4 – 0-1). A big moment leading to him become one of the best and most important parts of the squad.

More than a year and three months after reaching the 100 appearances mark with the Gym against Reims (February 5, 2020), the goalkeeper who will be at the press conference on Friday has reached another landmark.

Sacré Aiglon de l'exercice 2018-19 Benitez was named Aiglon of the 2018-19 season and will finish off his fifth season at the Gym this Sunday in Lyon.

150 games in numbers

► Since 2016/17, only Edouard Mendy and Predrag Rajkovic (73,4%) have a better save percentage in Ligue 1 than Walter Benitez (73%) from keepers having played at least 50 games.

► The Argentine goalkeeper has saved six penalties in his time in the top flight, only Baptiste Reynet (10) and Benoit Costil (9) have saved more.

► He averages 3,2 saves a game in Ligue 1 since 2016/17, 5th best from goalkeepers with at least 50 games.

► He made 10 saves against Montpellier on September 12, 2020, a record for a Nice goalkeeper in the top flight since the competition has been analysed (2006/07).

► In the 2018/19 Ligue 1, he had an 80% save percentage, the best in the league (min. 10 games).

► He made 121 saves in Ligue 1 this season, only Baptiste Reynet (122) has done better.

C.D. (Stats : K. Jeffries)

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