Newcastle United’s pursuit of Ewen Jaouen may raise a few eyebrows.Given the need for stability at No 1, it might seem surprising Newcastle’s first move has been for a 20-year-old goalkeeper whose highest level of senior football has been Ligue 2. Yet that perspective misses the point.The France Under-21 international has emerged as one of the most highly regarded young goalkeepers in French football. Standing at 6ft 6in (1.97m), possessing excellent athletic traits and already demonstrating many of the qualities associated with modern elite goalkeeping, Newcastle view him as a player worth investing in before his value rises even further.This appears to be a move rooted in long-term planning, allowing him to develop within Newcastle’s game model while learning the demands of Premier League football. But what exactly would Newcastle be getting right now?One of the first things that stands out when watching Jaouen is his proactivity in defending his penalty area. Many young goalkeepers are reactive. They wait for danger to develop before attempting to deal with it. Jaouen often does the opposite.Here, against Red Star, his starting position catches the eye.Jaouen being proactive and taking up an offensive position at the top of his six-yard boxWith the ball worked into a dangerous wide area, Jaouen quickly recognised the most likely outcome of the attack.Rather than protecting his near post and waiting for the delivery, he takes up an advanced and central starting position, allowing him to attack the low cross before it reaches an opponent.Here, he is successfully cutting out the low cross before it reaches the Red Star attacker at the back postThe positioning may appear risky. His first post is left open. But goalkeeping is about interpreting information.Jaouen understands that the body shape of the attacker and the situation point towards a low cross rather than a shot. By positioning himself aggressively, he can defend the space and eliminate the danger before a chance is created.The same mentality appears in his aerial work. His height and reach allow him to attack deliveries that many goalkeepers would struggle to influence. Yet, size alone does not make a goalkeeper dominant in the air. Positioning does.Against Red Star in the 28th minute, Jaouen demonstrates this perfectly.Jaouen’s offensive position…His starting position several yards off his line reduces the distance he must travel and effectively extends his range. Because he begins higher, he is able to attack and claim a delivery that many goalkeepers would be forced to leave to their defenders.And then attacking the ball at its highest point…This willingness to leave his line is one of his most attractive qualities.Rather than remaining rooted to the goal line, Jaouen consistently looks to take ownership of situations himself. His aggressive stance, often with his chest facing towards the ball, keeps him on the front foot and ready to attack the next action.That same bravery is evident when dealing with crowded penalty-box situations. Deep into stoppage time against Montpellier, with Reims protecting a 1-0 lead, Jaouen produces another impressive example of box dominance.Here is his aggressive position, facing the ball, a few steps outside his six-yard box…Surrounded by players and under significant pressure, he reads the flight of the ball early, commits decisively and punches clear with conviction.Before rising over two players and successfully punching the ball away from danger in a vital moment.The moment is reminiscent of Nick Pope at his best. Both goalkeepers possess the confidence to attack deliveries rather than simply react to them. Importantly, Jaouen also shows a good understanding of when to catch and when to punch, an often-overlooked skill.