Ballon d’Or 2021: I Would’ve Been Nominated If I Played For France – Mendy

Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, feels he would have been included in the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist if he played for France.

Mendy is the first African goalkeeper to play in the Champions League final since 1985.

The Senegal international kept nine clean sheets last season, as Chelsea went all the way to win the trophy.

Despite his fine displays for the Blues, Mendy was not recognised for the prestigious individual honour for the best players in the world and he has reacted to the snub.

“It’s something that motivates me and pushes me to work. Honestly, I am wondering.

“If I had played for France and had taken part in the Euro, would we have this debate and this reflection?” Mendy told Canal Plus via Wiw Sport.

Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has revealed how he has managed to keep his starting position since he signed for the club one year ago.

Mendy arrived at Stamford Bridge from Rennes while the team was led by Frank Lampard.

The 29-year-old went on to claim the starting role between the sticks, which he has kept under new manager Thomas Tuchel.

The Senegalese international has managed to keep clean sheets in 29 of his 50 games so far in a Chelsea shirt, winning the Champions League in May and was handed the trophy for UEFA Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2020-21 season a few days ago.

“When you play for this kind of club, you will find big competition [for places], a big fight for playing,” Mendy told Chelsea’s official website.

“You can see it at Manchester City and at Liverpool – two good goalkeepers who are ready to play. So you have to be the best for yourself but for the team also because when the coach puts you on the pitch, you have to show why he called you.

“Every time you have to show it, and you have to push each other at training. It’s a competition and Kepa [Arrizabalaga], me or Marcus [Bettinelli], we want to be the best for the team.”

Mendy added: “When the manager arrived he brought his philosophy and his energy and we performed straightaway.

“I think it was a good match between the manager and his staff and the team because the way he wants to play, we have the players for it so it was a good match.

“For me, he brings a lot of energy. He is a very energetic manager and I think the team needs that so it’s good.