Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy moved to West London in 2019 from Rennes and he has gone on to become not just the number one ‘keeper at the club, but also one of the best in Europe in his position.
The Blues have conceded just four goals from their opening 11 Premier League fixtures this season, an impressive feat, and something only matched in the major European leagues by Napoli in Italy. They lead the Premier League standings ahead of defending champions Manchester City.
Mendy is expected to be in action in Chelsea’s next Premier League fixture when they take on Leicester City. They are the odds-on favorites in the Leicester v Chelsea betting to continue their excellent form and pick up all three points at the King Power Stadium.
The Chelsea number one has kept six clean sheets in the Premier League so far this season. He is one of the reasons why they are set to continue as one of the leading Premier League predictions each game week in the competition until the end of the campaign.
Like many goalkeepers who arrive at Chelsea, Mendy has had his tough patches in the team. In the early stages of his debut season in the Premier League, he had his fair share of critics. Those days look long past him and there is full confidence in his ability, particularly from his manager Thomas Tuchel.
Champions League Form Has Been Even Stronger
In the Champions League this season, Mendy has kept three clean sheets from Chelsea’s four games. The European champions have made a great start to the defense of their cup, with wins coming over Zenit Saint Petersburg and Malmo, the latter home and away.
Mendy was between the goals in his side’s Champions League final success against Manchester City last May. He pulled off some excellent saves in that 1-0 victory. His performance proved that the big occasion did not faze the Senegal international.
Chelsea are one of the strongest contenders for the Champions League crown once again. No team has won the competition in back-to-back years since Real Madrid in 2018.
Chelsea Set to Lose Mendy for Africa Cup of Nations
Mendy will be in action for Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations in January. He will be replaced in goal at Chelsea by Kepa Arrizabalaga during that tournament. The Spaniard was the Blues’ number one ‘keeper before Mendy earned that position.
Senegal finished the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations as the runners-up. Mendy was in the squad, but he did not play as Alfred Gomis was the first choice. The Chelsea man is expected to start the next edition of the tournament.
The Lions of Teranga will be one of the favorites for the prestigious tournament in Africa. If successful, it will be Mendy’s first major tournament win in international football.
It could be a huge season for Mendy as his club and country are in with a good chance of achieving great things in their respective competitions.