‘How good’: TalkSPORT pundit says ‘outstanding’ Chelsea player looked invincible in cup final

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Darren Bent has praised Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy for his “outstanding” performance in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

Liverpool couldn’t find a way past the 30-year-old goalkeeper during 120 minutes of action, but eventually won the penalty shootout to lift the League Cup trophy.

It was a near-faultless performance from Mendy, who ended up being substituted off at the end of extra time to allow teammate Kepa Arrizabalaga to take part in the penalties.

Paul Merson has even described Mendy’s latest performance as the best of his Blues career to date.

TalkSPORT pundit Bent, who was frustrated Mendy was taken off for the spot-kicks by manager Thomas Tuchel, has waxed lyrical about the Chelsea number one.

“I’ve been there when a goalkeeper looks unbeatable. You put the ball down, look at him, and think ‘wow, I might have to give this a bit extra’. And that’s where the doubt comes in. You start to go ‘he’s been absolutely outstanding today, so if I don’t get enough power on this I think he’s going to save this’,” Bent told talkSPORT.

“The fact that they took Mendy off, I can guarantee you them Liverpool players taking them penalties thought ‘thank goodness for that’. That’s no disrespect to Kepa, but that’s more because how good Mendy had been for 120 minutes.”

Chelsea to win another trophy this season

Of course, the weekend’s result didn’t go the way the Blues fanbase wanted.

There’s so much to be encouraged about from the overall performance against Liverpool, though.

Tuchel set up his team superbly well to go head-to-head with a Liverpool side that look as dangerous as anyone across the whole of Europe right now.

The Blues are a team nobody will want to draw in the FA Cup, and their tie fifth round tie against Luton Town takes place tomorrow.

In addition, Chelsea lead 2-0 on aggregate after the first leg in the Champions League last-16 showdown with Lille.

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