The Ballon D’Or ceremony took place in Paris last night, with a number of awards being handed out, including the prize for the best goalkeeper. Chelsea supporters were hopeful that Edouard Mendy would pick up the accolade.
Was Mendy robbed of the Yashin Trophy?
Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge in September 2020, Edouard Mendy has been in fine form for the Blues. In his first season at Chelsea, he helped them clinch the Champions League trophy.
After Gigi Donnarumma picked up the Yashin Trophy, many Chelsea supporters feel angry on Mendy’s behalf. However, those feelings are backed up when you look at the stats of both goalkeeper’s.
Mendy’s Rise
Despite playing fewer games, Mendy has a whopping 13 more clean sheets than Donnarumma. The Chelsea stopper has also conceded just 29 goals in 50 games, thanks in part to a well-drilled backline.
It isn’t only the stats that back up the claims for Mendy to win the Yashin Trophy. The optics back it up too. How he commands his area, how he organises his defence. Mendy has quickly become one of the best ‘keepers in the game.
Before arriving in London, Mendy was perhaps somewhat of an unknown entity to Chelsea fans. Arriving from Rennes in a bid to nail down the number one spot at Stamford Bridge, he has done so with ease.
Ballon Doh?
Mendy’s award snub wasn’t the only decision to get football fans up in arms. Additionally, many felt Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski should have won the main prize, not Lionel Messi.
The Ballon D’Or hasn’t been without its controversies. In fact, last year, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to their cancellation. As a result, organisers decided not to go ahead with the ceremony even via an online format.
Chelsea supporters expect another vintage year for Mendy. It will help his push for the Yashin Trophy in 2022.