Originally one of the great stories of Chelsea’s transfer window, Édouard Mendy has, much like the rest of his teammates, suffered a dip in form over the past few weeks.
The Senegalese goalkeeper has conceded 12 goals over the past eight Premier League fixtures, with the Blues winning just two of those.
While that doesn’t mean Frank Lampard is about to swap back to Kepa Arrizabalaga between the Stamford Bridge sticks, it’s a cause for concern, alongside a leaky defence that shows no signs of improving.
However, part of the problem is Mendy himself, according to former Newcastle, Leeds and Stoke City midfielder Amdy Faye.
Speaking to Stades in his home country, the ex-player said, relayed by Africa Foot United: “There isn’t an issue for Mendy. He hasn’t made that many mistakes. I was worried about his passing, but for now, everything is going well for him. He’s doing well compared to his predecessor. It’s true that he’s letting goals in, which I find normal for a keeper, but he also makes five, six saves.
“Unfortunately, his defenders aren’t helping him. There’s a big problem there for Chelsea. There’s a feeling that Thiago Silva doesn’t get along with the others. Plus, Lampard always changes his team. For me, the only problem Mendy has is that he doesn’t communicate. He needs to open his mouth and speak to his defenders who do crazy things. He’s too timid for a goalkeeper, which isn’t normal”.
Perhaps it’s a language problem, but few will argue that most of the great goalkeepers were also excellent communicators, whether it be shouting out instructions or lambasting their teammates.
Either way, there will be hope within the Stamford Bridge fanbase things turn around sooner rather than later, and Mendy’s early form, where conceding was a rarity, returns.
