Mark Schwarzer has explained that he’s been impressed by Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy this season.
The Blues signed Mendy in the summer for £22million (Sky Sports) from Rennes and he arrived at Stamford Bridge to compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga for the number one position.
Mendy has been the first-choice option in net for manager Frank Lampard and has 11 clean sheet in 21 club games so far.
The 28-year-old started the season in brilliant individual form and has settled quickly into English football.
He is a colossus 6ft 6in goalkeeper that has a big presence behind the defence and is usually quite aggressive when it comes to commanding his box from set-pieces.
Retired goalkeeper Schwarzer, who had a brief spell with Chelsea in the latter stages of his career, has graded his start with the club a B+ and picked out some of his best strengths.
“I think so far you have to say he’s like a B+ at the moment, maybe an A-. I think he’s done enough to warrant being the number one at the moment,” Schwarzer said.
“I think over the course of the season we’ll get a better understanding of it.
“What I do like about him, I like the fact he does like to come off his line, he does like to dominate his 18-yard box, which you see few and far between in the Premier League these days.”
The Chronicle View:
For just £22million, there can’t be too many complaints over Mendy.
The Senegal international has proven to be an upgrade in goal so far this season and has pulled off a couple of eye-catching saves.
But it must be said that there are still a few cracks in his game, which is perhaps why he’s not had a lot of senior experience for someone aged 28.
His communication with the defence can certainly improve and there are question marks over his distribution at times as well.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
