Former Arsenal star Emi Martinez has named Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy as the best in the world.
The Senegalese international has proven to be a revelation since moving to Stamford Bridge in 2020 and won the FIFA Men’s Best Goalkeeper Award in 2021.
Just as last year proved successful, the 29-year-old has enjoyed another trophy-laden 2022, winning the Africa Cup of Nations with his country along with the Club World Cup.
Of all the signings Chelsea made when their transfer ban was lifted two summers ago, it is Mendy who has stood out the most for the consistency of his performances.
Replacing the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of the game in Kepa Arrizabalaga, the former Rennes stopper is a crucial part of Thomas Tuchel’s team.
An eye-catching and inspirational career arc after contemplating giving up the sport when released by lower league French side AS Cherbourg in 2014, Martinez hailed Mendy’s “hard work” while speaking to Watford’s Ben Foster on his YouTube channel.
“[Edouard] Mendy,” said Martinez when asked who he thought was the best goalkeeper in the world on an episode of the Cycling GK.
“He’s having clean sheets for fun. He’s winning everything. He’s having a wonderful season again. I like his story... the fact he is winning everything now, hard works pays off.”
