Chelsea’s new giant keeper Edouard Mendy: Who the hell are you vol. 17

Chelsea has signed a giant of a keeper in Edouard Mendy. Who is the keeper the Blues are looking to usurp Kepa Arrizabalaga?

The Blues are on a roll as they have finally brought in a keeper on top of all the other new signings. It was believed that Chelsea was either bringing in a clear starter if they could offload Kepa Arrizabalaga or a cheaper option to compete directly with him for starters. After spending so much and Arrizabalaga being immovable, option two was the decision. So who is Edouard Mendy, Chelsea’s new giant of a keeper?

History

It is extremely unusual for a player to become a professional after their teenage years, especially a player going to a club like Chelsea. The most prominent example used to be Didier Drogba who became a professional at 21 before becoming a legend just a few years later. “Used to be” is the key phrase there because Mendy only became a professional at 24. The fact that he is 28 now shows his rise to the top has been breathtaking.

That contract came from Reims who were then in Ligue 2. Though he did play some in that first season, it was not until the second season when he truly became a starter. Between the sticks, he helped his side achieve promotion. He continued as a starter in their Ligue 1 season, finishing an impressive eighth. He soon transferred to Rennes as Chelsea’s own Christophe Lollichon spoke glowingly about the keeper.

At Rennes, Mendy continued his impressive form between the sticks. Though the season ended early due to Covid, he was able to help his side qualify for their first Champions League ever in just his fourth season as a professional. That form, plus a recommendation by Lollichon, carried Mendy into his transfer to Chelsea.

But is he any good?

For the most part, yes. Beyond that is when people start to disagree. Some stats favor him, but they come with asterisks. Other stats do not seem to favor him, but they can be explained.

Mendy finished the season with a fantastic save percentage of 77.2. Mind, Rennes is a very impressive defensive side that conceded only 0.23 in post shot expected goals, but one of Chelsea’s struggles has been having a solid defense (on paper according to xG) but a keeper with a terrible save percentage. The implication is that Mendy is saving the shots his team does let through whereas Arrizabalaga simply is not.

But beyond that? Mendy is not so far ahead of Arrizabalaga to make it a massive difference. He claims more crosses (which of course he can at his height), he seems a little more accurate on long passes, but neither are so far away from Arrizabalaga that the Spanish keeper has no chance of playing.

Even his save percentage can be seen as an issue. Jan Oblak had a similar issue as a target. If a keeper plays behind a very good defense, the shots coming through should be the ones they can save. That should raise save percentage. Chelsea’s defense is statistically good, but the higher line and press may leave Mendy hanging out to dry far more than Rennes defense ever did.

But in Mendy’s defense, he does look commanding when he plays which has been sorely lacking at Chelsea. He is unafraid to come for the ball whether it is a cross or a shot. Despite his huge frame, he is able to dive and get down quickly. Most highlight videos will show how often he parries the ball rather than catches it, but he does at least get on it. He is rarely if ever rooted to his spot.

At the very least, he can compete with Arrizabalaga for a starting role. At his price, he is clearly seen as an option good enough to get the Blues through the season while giving Arrizabalaga a chance to rebound.

What does this mean for the future of Chelsea’s keeper position?

The short answer is that Chelsea has successfully kicked the can down the road for another season. Mendy is certainly good enough to start while also giving Arrizabalaga a chance to show he is Chelsea quality. Should the latter fail to do so, he will be moved on next summer and Mendy will become one of the league’s best back up keepers.

Part of the reason why Mendy was the choice for this summer was because it became clear Arrizabalaga would not be going anywhere. Given what Chelsea paid for him, it is understandable that they want to give him one last chance while also being ready for a season in which he fails to take that chance.

Furthermore, there simply was not going to be a big name keeper available this summer. Oblak was rumored and he has a release clause, but the club is unable to bring him in while keeping Arrizabalaga on the books. Mendy was much cheaper, available, and potentially the answer for at least a year.

Next summer, clubs around the world should be more willing to buy and sell players. Chelsea can take the year to look around for a keeper to lead them through the next decade. In the meantime, it will be Mendy versus Arrizabalaga for a season.

What do you think about Chelsea’s new keeper? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!