Lampard full of praise for Mendy

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has heaped praise on his new first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy following the shot-stopper’s stunning impact.

Mendy swapped Rennes for Chelsea in the summer, particularly in light of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s inability to provide quality and consistency week in, week out.

The 26-year-old endured a torrid time at Stamford Bridge since completing his world-record €80million from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.

The under-fire goalkeeper often struggled to leave up to expectations, making several costly errors when expected to step up and provide cover to his outfield teammates.

After an underwhelming start to the season, Arrizabalaga surrendered his spot between the sticks to Mendy, who has become indispensable ever since.

The 28-year-old has been nothing short of outstanding for Frank Lampard’s side, keeping seven clean sheets in nine competitive appearances.

Asked about Mendy’s impact, Lampard told Chelsea TV: “I’ve been really pleased. It’s not easy, and he’s made it look easy, which is the difficult thing.

“When you come from another league, there are, of course, differences in the Premier League – the physical nature, the speed of the league – and I think it is unique in those terms.

“For a goalkeeper that has got such a spotlight on him and is having to face these differences and make relationships with the team around him, he has done it very seamlessly.

“He has settled off the pitch and is performing on the pitch, you can’t ask any more than that, and he is doing it with a smile on his face and with a really great attitude.

“So I’m really pleased, it’s a good start for him in a Chelsea shirt. Long may that continue.”