Chelsea star beats Liverpool ace to individual award
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has been named Senegal football player of the year by the nation’s sports media association (ANPS) after an incredible start to his career at Stamford Bridge.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper, who also received UEFA goalkeeper of the year award back in August, has arguably been one of Chelsea’s best signings in recent years.
Arriving as a relatively unknown goalkeeper from Rennes last year, he has since established himself among European elite shot-stoppers.
He also played a significant role in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph last season, having kept a record-equalling nine clean sheets from 12 appearances in the tournament.
Mendy has now deservedly received recognition from his home country for his meteoric rise.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
According to Chelsea’s official website, the goalkeeper won the vote ahead of Liverpool’s Sadio Mane and Watford’s Ismaila Sarr quite convincingly.
Mendy had 321 votes, while Mane and Sarr got 99 and 61, respectively.
This means Mendy has now ended Mane’s
Chelsea must prepare for Mendy’s absence
The Blues will likely be largely unaffected by the upcoming African Cup of Nations, with only two of their players; Mendy [Senegal] and Hakim Ziyech [Morocco] eligible to be called up.
The latter recently had some issues with Morocco manager Vahid Halihodzic and might even miss out on the tournament.
The 2021 AFCON will take place in January and February in Cameroon, so Mendy could be on international duty for up to a month.
On a more positive note, Kepa Arrizabalaga, the current number two, has shown positive performances in several cup competitions.
