MY ACCOUNT
Edouard Mendy has impressed for Chelsea and Senegal this season — but Kepa Arrizabalaga’s form is putting his starting spot at Stamford Bridge under threat.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper has been first choice between the sticks since arriving from Rennes in September 2020, when he ousted an out-of-form Kepa to become the club’s undisputed No1.
But the Spanish custodian has seized his opportunity while Mendy has been at the Africa Cup of Nations, putting in a number of impressive performances over the past month.
Ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup semi-final against Al Hilal, we take a look at how the battle to be the top stopper at Stamford Bridge is set to play out.
Mendy’s massive impact
Mendy has been a key part of Chelsea’s excellent defence since his arrival, keeping 24 clean sheets in 51 league appearances — and conceding just 41 goals.
In the 70 games he has played for the Blues across all competitions, they have conceded 47 times and kept a remarkable 37 shutouts.
The Blues stopper has made 55 saves and only let in 16 goals this season, compared with 18.17 post-shot expected goals conceded (PSxG) in his 20 Premier League outings.
Senegal’s stalwart
Chelsea have been without Mendy since he left to link up with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
He missed the first two games due to a positive coronavirus test but returned for the final group match — despite Senegal not conceding in his absence.
He kept three clean sheets in five outings, as well as saving a spot-kick from Mohanad Lasheen during a penalty shootout in the final, as Aliou Cisse’s men lifted the trophy.
Best in the world?
Speaking after winning the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly insisted Mendy is the best goalkeeper in the world.
He said: “It was a tough game and a tough tournament.
“We made it with our team and our power. Our goalkeeper is the best in the world and we won the title. We feel happy.
“We knew it would be hard to win the Africa Cup of Nations but we made it.”
Basque limelight
Back at the Bridge, Mendy’s absence granted Kepa the opportunity to make his second, third and fourth Premier League appearances of the campaign — having featured in the 3-0 win over Tottenham earlier in the season.
With him standing in, Chelsea lost 1-0 to Manchester City, drew 1-1 with Brighton and beat Spurs again, this time by a 2-0 scoreline.
The Spaniard, 27, has outperformed his PSxG of 2.76 in that time and also saved a penalty in extra-time of the Blues’ 2-1 win over Plymouth in the FA Cup.
Chelsea’s choice going forward
Kepa has certainly deputised well in the time Mendy has been on international duty, having looked steadier and more reliable than he did before being supplanted.
But Mendy has proved himself to be among the best in the business and the impact he has had on Chelsea’s defence since arriving is difficult to ignore.
After playing a starring role in helping Senegal triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations, Thomas Tuchel will surely hand the 21-cap international his starting spot back as soon as possible.
