Man Utd and Liverpool stars snubbed as Brad Friedel names Premier League’s best goalkeeper

Tuchel previews Chelsea's trip to Brentford in Premier League

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes Chelsea shot-stopper Edouard Mendy is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. The Senegalese star became the first ever African goalkeeper to win the Champions League when Chelsea stunned Europe and won the biggest title in club football.

Last term was an outstanding debut campaign for Mendy, who was signed by Frank Lampard from Rennes for £22m.

Aside from the free transfers of Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr, he was the cheapest signing of the Blues’ lavish £222m spending spree last summer that saw Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, and Ben Chilwell come through the Stamford Bridge doors.

While his fee was relatively modest compared to his on-pitch counterparts, the 28-year-old’s numbers have been anything but, with 29 clean sheets in 53 matches.

And Friedel believes Mendy’s commanding displays since arriving in West London have earned him the title for the division’s best goalkeeper.

JUST IN: Worrying Martin Odegaard claim made by former Arsenal star – ‘he’s open to coming back’

The former USA international keeper picked out Mendy as the most outstanding goalkeeper between the sticks, out of Ederson, Alisson, and David de Gea of Manchester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United respectively.

“He (Mendy) is the best shot-stopper of the four. He is also the most underrated right now — but then again he is still the most unknown at the start of his second season in England,” said Friedel, who was talking to The Sun.

“While not many would have known much about him when he joined from Rennes, Mendy had 16 clean sheets last season from 31 league games.

“And he played a massive role in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph, equalling the record of nine clean sheets in a campaign.

DON’T MISS
Man Utd ‘had £72m Kylian Mbappe bid rejected’ and how dream Mourinho window played out
Newcastle EXCLUSIVE: Inside transfer chaos with Saudis free to mirror £500m Chelsea spree
Tottenham ‘line up Chelsea flop as Harry Kane replacement’ if exit happens next summer

“Mendy also looks the most unflappable. There are not so many movements in his play — but it is always quick and explosive.

“He is sure-handed, commands his box and really fits in with Tuchel’s philosophy.”

Mendy’s arrival to Stamford Bridges alleviated lots of concerns surrounding previous no.1 goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Chelsea spent an incredible £71m when they signed the Spanish goalkeeper from Athletic Bilbao to make him the most expensive goalkeeper in football history in 2019.

After a positive first season where he played a starring role in the Blues’ Europa League triumph, Kepa struggled under Lampard.

Follow our new Daily Express Sport Instagram page here

At one point he was the bearer of the worst domestic save percentage in Europe’s top five leagues.

And Friedel believes the constant scrutiny and conversations about Kepa helped take the pressure of Mendy, who has gone on to thrive under the radar.

He added: “Things didn’t work out particularly well for Kepa Arrizabalaga after his big-money move and Mendy has been able to take advantage.

“He has come in and really solidified the defensive structure under Thomas Tuchel.

“When teams are taking shots or lining up free-kicks against Mendy, I never think that he is going to make a mistake.

“It may have helped him with how much people spoke about Kepa. He is able to fly under the radar and seems to like that.

Source: Read Full Article