Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has revealed how he will deal with this year’s Ballon d’Or snub.
Mendy was left out of the 30-man main list despite his outstanding record between the sticks for the Blues which was summed up with the 7-0 thumping of Norwich City at the weekend.
In spite of having little to do against the Canaries in the early kick-off on Saturday, he had to be alert to thwart Milot Raschica after Ben Chilwell’s lapse of concentration almost resulted in a consolation goal for Norwich in the 53rd minute.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t to be for Norwich on this occasion, with the Senegalese keeper producing a brilliant interception-type save to keep Chelsea’s goals conceded column remain at only three after nine matches.
Prior to the Norwich clash on Saturday, the 29-year-old spoke about the Ballon d’Or snub, but this time explained how he will deal with missing out this year to prove a point in the long-term
Mendy explained: “I think when people don’t talk about you, it’s a good thing. That means you’re doing your job. I don’t need this recognition. When you play football the most important thing is that the people from your club recognise your impact.
“What can I do? I have to just respect their choice. I have to just win titles with my club and try to win title’s with my national team.”
Back in the BT Sport studio, Joe Cole added: “Chelsea have played all the big guns. I would say he’s Chelsea’s most important player. When he goes away on international duty and Kepa plays, I think Kepa’s a good keeper but if that quality dips then I think Chelsea could struggle.
“Mendy’s standing on the shoulders of giants right now. He’s made a big impact, as much as any other big signing in recent years. I always say get your goalkeeper right. They have and they won the Champions League.”
Chris Sutton then compared the shot-stopper to the £70million signing that is acting as his backup and number two at Stamford Bridge.
“When I think of Kepa, I think of a highly emotional keeper who is not in control,” said Sutton. “With Mendy, he’s always in control.”
