Premier League icon Jay Jay Okocha has hailed Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy as the ‘best in the world’ having played a pivotal role in Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations success.
The Blues stopper was a key player for the Teranga Lions in Cameroon, as they beat one of the pre-tournament favourites Egypt in a penalty shootout – Mohanad Lasheen and Mohamed Abdelmonem failing to convert.
Mendy managed to collect five clean sheets throughout the competition and was deservedly handed the goalkeeper of the tournament award alongside his winners’ medal.
Now, Okocha has given the former Rennes man some lofty compliments having watched his performances at close quarters.
Talking to SuperSport, the former Bolton Wanderers man said: “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.
“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.”
Okocha is not the only one to have been left highly impressed with the displays of the Chelsea stopper.
Senegal teammate and captain Kalidou Koulibaly – who has previously been linked with a move to Chelsea – agreed with Okocha’s sentiments.
Speaking after the final against Egypt, the Napoli stalwart said: “It was a tough game and a tough tournament. We made it with our team and our power. Our goalkeeper is the best in the world and we win the title.”
Mendy’s success in Cameroon is just the latest in a long line of stand-out moments for the goalkeeper since deciding to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.
He played a pivotal role in the club’s Champions League success, whilst also being named the FIFA Best Goalkeeper of the Year.