Jay-Jay Okocha delivered an extremely eye-catching verdict on Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy following his Africa Cup of Nations success with Senegal.
As quoted by all Nigeria soccer, the Premier League icon labelled Mendy the very best in the business after he helped the Lions of Teranga claim their first-ever AFCON victory.
Excellent Edouard
The giant goalkeeper made a crucial stop against Egypt in the dramatic penalty shootout yesterday evening.
Neither team managed to find the back of the next across 120 minutes, which included a missed spot-kick from Sadio Mane, meaning only one outcome could decide the fate of the two countries.
Egypt went behind after their second effort hit the post, only to be offered a lifeline by Senegal’s failed third attempt.
But Mohammed Salah’s side were pegged back again, thanks to the reactions of Mendy.
This save handed Mane the chance to cement himself into history, a huge responsibility he duly accepted.
On top of the world
The Senegal squad wield away in celebration once the Liverpool forward dispatched his penalty.
Alongside the main prize, Mane also got his hands on the Player of the Tournament award.
Not to be completely outdone, Mendy picked up the Goalkeeper of the competition accolade, with five clean sheets from seven fixtures.
He can now add another load of achievements to what has become an extremely crowded CV since Frank Lampard signed him from Rennes for £22m (BBC) in 2020.
“Since he signed for Chelsea his potential came out and we knew little about him before then. It shows when you are in a good league, when you are competing every week you keep improving,” said Okocha, an AFCON winner with Nigeria and a Bolton Wanderers cult hero.
“He showed in this competition that it’s not a fluke that he’s the best goalkeeper in the world and I think that award must have gone to him because of the amount of clean sheets that he kept, five clean sheets is a Championship winner for you.
“If you don’t concede goals you give yourself the possibility of winning matches and when it matters the most he saved that penalty to give his nation to opportunity to score the winner.
“For me we’ve seen a lot of good keepers in this tournament but deservedly he’s keeper of the tournament.”
More to come from Mendy
There are still a few things left for Mendy to conquer in the footballing universe.
Chelsea could potentially win another four trophies before the campaign concludes, including the Club World Cup, which kicks off on Wednesday, although the 29-year-old may not feature due to his national team excursions.
He might play in the Carabao Cup final, although Kepa Arrizabalaga will probably keep his place.
Then there’s the FA Cup, another for Kepa or Marcus Bettinelli, and the defence of the Champions League.
Plus, the World Cup is just over the horizon, with Senegal just one game away from qualifying.
Interestingly, they have been pitted against Egypt, allowing Salah and co. a chance to avenge their finale defeat.
Lose again, however, and it will Mendy’s gang heading to Qatar.
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