The Chelsea shot-stopper has been nothing short of a revelation since his arrival in September of last year, but was left off of the list of nominees for the Ballon d’Or
Video Unavailable
In pictures: Chelsea v Norwich
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has kept yet another clean sheet at home to Norwich City – making his omission from the Ballon d’Or list of nominees all the more questionable.
Mendy recently broke his silence on the snub, insisting it does not bother him, but his performances have been more than worthy of recognition.
The Senegalese international has made the number one spot his own since arriving at Stamford Bridge last September from Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennes.
Having played a vital role in securing the second Champions League crown in the club’s history, many had tipped the shot-stopper to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Mendy have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or? Comment below.
(
Image:
Getty Images)
His stellar start to the campaign only reinforced the idea that, Mendy, in the eyes of many, is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League on current form, boasting five clean sheets from eight games.
However, there was no sign of Mendy on the shortlist.
Instead, Italian international and PSG number one Gianluigi Donnarumma was the only man between the sticks to make the list of nominees.
Prior to Chelsea’s 7-0 demolition of Norwich on Saturday afternoon, Mendy told BT Sport how the snub does not concern him.
“The list for the Ballon d’Or – the journalists vote, they choose, what can I do?” Mendy explained.
“You just have to respect their choice and then move forward to keep winning titles with my club and try to win some titles with my national team.”
The 29-year-old went on to explain how individual awards are not what matters most to him.
How did the Blues do? Rate the players below.
“I think when people don’t talk about you, I think it is a good thing because that means you do your job”, he revealed.
“I don’t need this recognition, it’s always good when you have good things said about you but I just stay focused on my job.”
While Mendy was modest enough in his response to the snub, his teammates Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva have publicly questioned the decision.
(
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
Re-sharing a post from Chelsea ’s Instagram page after Mendy’s Man of the Match display against Brentford, Silva wrote: “He won the Champions League as one of the best goalkeepers?? Left off the list for the Ballon d’Or?”
His sentiments were echoed by his central defensive partner Rudiger, wo recently asked the press: “Someone explain why he’s [Mendy] not nominated for the Ballon d’Or?”
Mendy was rarely tested at home to the Canaries, but was as reliable as ever when called upon – ensuring his side enjoy a four point lead at the top of the table as well as the best goal difference in the division.
Pick up your FREE Panini Official Premier League Trading cards this weekend – Find out how here
