Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink described Edouard Mendy’s double save in the Carabao Cup final as “absolutely magnificent”, claiming the goalkeeper should get the Man of the Match award if Chelsea win the game.
The Senegal shot stopper had to dive low in the first-half to deny Naby Keita’s shot from the edge of the box, but could only push it out to his right.
Sadio Mane then latched onto the loose ball to strike what seemed like a certain opener at Wembley in the final.
But low and behold, Mendy was there to save the day with a sharp dive to push the ball over the bar and keep the game on level terms for the Blues.
It summed up a frantic half at the home of English football, playing at a similar tempo to that of the second meeting between the sides that ended 2-2 at Stamford Bridge in January.
Christian Pulisic could have given the Blues the lead early on, but his shot in the box was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Liverpool managed to get a slight grip on the game, just before Mendy’s dramatic save from range.
Thomas Tuchel’s men ended the half the stronger of the two sides though, with Mason Mount missing a chance by putting his shot slightly wide.
During the half-time break, former Chelsea player Hasselbaink was full of praise for Mendy and how he kept his side in the game.
He said on Sky Sports: “Absolutely magnificent. He’s a big, big boy - he’s six foot five, six - so for him to get up this quick and get his right hand to the ball, absolutely magnificent. I think if Chelsea win the game, he is man of the match.”
It backs up Thomas Tuchel’s decision to start the goalkeeper over Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has been in fine form in his absence and has played in all of the side’s Carabao Cup games this season before today.
It will also back up claims that Mendy is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, as the campaign for his recognition in the game continues to ramp up.
