‘Best in the world’: £42m international absolutely raves about 29-year-old Chelsea player

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Kalidou Koulibaly bestowed Edouard Mendy with the highest possible praise following the pair’s Africa Cup of Nations victory last night.

As quoted by the Daily Mail, the £42m (TuttoMercato) rated Napoli defender hailed Mendy as the greatest goalkeeper in the game right now in light of his penalty heroics yesterday.

The tale of the AFCON finale

Chelsea’s gloved guardian played a pivotal part in Senegal’s first-ever AFCON triumph on Sunday evening.

The Lions of Teranga were held by Egypt in normal time and neither side could break the deadlock after an additional 30 minutes.

Penalties were to decide who would be crowned the ultimate team on the continent.

Egypt hit the post on their second attempt before Senegal saw their third saved.

However, Mendy put his side on the brink of glory after he denied Mohanad Lasheen from 12-yards.

This handed Sadio Mane the chance to cement his place in history and redeem himself, having already missed a spot-kick earlier in the tie.

He made no mistake this time around, as the dark green section of the stadium burst into celebration.

Magic Mendy does it again

Mane was named Player of the Tournament, whilst Mendy picked up the equivalent goalkeeping prize

“It was a tough game and a tough tournament,” said Senegal skipper Koulibaly after the match.

“We made it with our team and our power. Our goalkeeper is the best in the world and we win the title.”

Clearly, some of the individual award organisers share this view.

Last month, FIFA presented Mendy with the Goalkeeper of the Year accolade, as did UEFA earlier on in the season.

The Ballon d’Or directors did not feel the same, however, as they excluded the 29-year-old from their 30-man shortlist.

This incensed Koulibaly, who reacted angrily to his compatriot’s omission.

“Now it’s a real shame that Edou isn’t one of them. He is the first African goalkeeper to win the Champions League,” declared the centre-back.

We are sure Mendy won’t be too disappointed now he is the king of African football!

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