‘It’s great to have him’: Tuchel says he just loves coaching £22m Chelsea player

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Thomas Tuchel claims he loves coaching and working with Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy on a day-to-day basis.

Tuchel, who’s got the best out of so many Chelsea players at Stamford Bridge, has had the luxury of a world-class goalkeeper in his starting line-up for the past 18 months.

Mendy, 30, is an absolute colossus in-between the sticks that is so difficult for opponents to get past.

The £22million shot-stopper arrived at Stamford Bridge during Frank Lampard’s reign, and has turned out to be a bargain signing.

His overall Blues record of 42 clean sheets in 77 appearances is outrageous.

Current Chelsea boss Tuchel waxed lyrical about Mendy in Tuesday’s press conference when asked about him.

It was a pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League last-16 tie against Lille, which is a competition the goalkeeper has an imperious record in. Remarkably, he’s conceded only four goals in 18 Champions League appearances in a Chelsea shirt.

“Edouard is a top guy, a very strong character, very humble. I think everyone at Chelsea, including the supporters wish him success because he give everything for the team playing a key role. I am so pleased with how he has developed,” Tuchel said.

“He has been exceptional since I took over, played a key role. He is mentally strong, also on the pitch, he has been key to our top performances. He transmits that calmness to our defenders.

“Always he thinks about the team. I am very happy to have him in my squad, pleased to coach him and it’s great to have him here every day. He’s a fantastic character.”

African brilliance continues at Chelsea

Mendy is yet another superb Chelsea player to come from the continent Afrcia.

He’s creating quite the legacy for himself, and the Senegal international isn’t done just yet.

Chelsea’s king in many people’s eyes is ex-player Didier Drogba, with the Ivory Coast star universally loved by the entire Blues fanbase.

You can also throw the likes of Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou into this very talented and popular group of players.

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