'Would frighten me': Ian Wright says he'd be seriously scared to play against one current Chelsea player
Ian Wright admits that he would fear facing Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Speaking on his own podcast, the former Arsenal striker confessed to having feelings of terror about the thought of taking on Mendy during his playing days.
Mendy is a horrow show if you’re an attacker
The Senegal international has become something of a defender’s nightmare ever since he signed for Chelsea back in 2020.
Few can claim to have bettered the recently turned 30-year-old at his own game.
My Europa League Predictions.
Quite incredibly, only 48 goals have slipped past Mendy’s fingers in 74 appearances following that move from Rennes to Stamford Bridge.
He has kept 40 clean sheets for the Blues overall, with his latest coming in the Carabao Cup final last Sunday.
Liverpool were kept at arm’s length by the gloved guardian across 120-minutes of goalmouth action.
Joel Matip did manage to break through the ‘keepers’ resistance, but had his effort ruled out by VAR for a foul prior to scoring.
However, Mendy was denied the chance to be Chelsea’s ultimate saving grace.
Thomas Tuchel opted to bring on Kepa Arrizbalaga for the resulting penalties once the game had concluded 0-0.
Despite Kepa’s typical talent from 12-yards, he failed to stop any of Liverpool’s 11 attempts and then missed the decisive penalty himself.
Kepa became Liverpoo’s dream
Plenty has been made about Tuchel’s call to replace Mendy, with many believing he would’ve done a better job than his understudy.
“Mendy, the Mendy one. Coming off of AFCON, coming off of the fact he’s been voted the best goalkeeper in the world,” said Wright jumping on the bandwagon.
“Tuchel man, he’s slipped up there. I’m sorry, I’m not taking him out. Leave Mendy in the goal!
“If I’m going to take a penalty against one of them two I’d want to take it against Kepa simply because I know he’s a
goalkeeper I can beat.
“Mendy would frighten me.”
Liverpool’s players, and supporters, probably shared Wright’s view.
Having repeatedly failed to find a way through Mendy, their eyes must’ve lit up when they heard Kepa’s name being announced over the tannoy.
As it transpired, this excitement was justified.
The Reds had nothing to fear as they continuously slotted past the Spaniard in the shoot-out.
It all must’ve felt like a bad dream for Chelsea’s number two.
Tuchel meanwhile will probably have visions of his decision for days on end.
A good night’s sleep is needed from everyone wearing blue pyjamas!
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