Frank Lampard has backed Edouard Mendy to ‘go much further’ following a ‘very good start’ to his Chelsea career since signing from Rennes.
Mendy signed for the west London side during the summer as Lampard looked to address his side’s goalkeeping position, the Senegal international arriving to provide competition for the under-fire Kepa Arrizabalaga following the Spaniard’s poor performances last season.
The summer signing has made an impressive impact since being handed his opportunity and has kept three consecutive clean sheets in his first three Premier League fixtures, becoming the first Chelsea goalkeeper to achieve the feat since Petr Cech in 2004.
Mendy will face his former side when Chelsea host Rennes in the Champions League tomorrow evening and, ahead of the clash, Lampard has spoken of his delight with the goalkeeper’s start at Stamford Bridge.
“It’s about the collective, but he has made a very good start to his career with us,” Lampard said at his pre-match press conference. “He has shown his qualities and brought confidence to those around him.
“When we were in to sign him, Petr Cech was heavily involved. All the feedback, was that he had a great personality in the dressing room, and everything I heard has come true.
“He is very low maintenance, he works hard and he is eager to engage with his teammates. He has smile on his face and it’s a real positive when a player hits the ground running on the pitch, but is a pleasure in the dressing room too. I’m sure there is more to come and I think he can go much further.”
Mendy’s sizeable frame has provided Chelsea with the commanding and calming presence they have lacked in goal in recent seasons, and Lampard was full of praise for a player he says has the ‘work ethic to push himself’ further in the coming seasons.
“What I have seen is that he has a massive work ethic to push himself. He has shown that and smiled every day. He has asked relevant questions and engaged with the players around him. I have just sensed that with him. He seems pretty laid back.”
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