Mendy’s Chelsea career at risk after Holland horror-show

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 22 Nov 2022 11:43 GMT
• 3 min read

Edouard Mendy's future at Chelsea was already under serious threat given Graham Potter's decision to have Kepa Arrizabalaga as his number one goalkeeper, and his role in Senegal's loss to the Netherlands in the opening game of their World Cup campaign has done him no favours.

Two late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen saw off a resilient Senegal side to ensure Louis van Gaal's side came away with three points in the second game of Group A.

The Netherlands weren't able to test Mendy too much in the opening stages, but when he was called into action he didn't impress.

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Frenkie de Jong's delicious cross was headed past the onrushing Mendy by PSV Eindhoven's Gakpo before the Chelsea shot-stopper parried a tame Memphis Depay effort into the path of Klaassen.

The blame for the second goal can certainly be placed on Mendy for a poor initial save, and while Gakpo's header was a brilliant one, Mendy had to get the ball when he decided to rush off his line and try and punch it.

His role in both goals has ensured his Chelsea future has been called into question.

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Mendy to leave Chelsea?

With Kepa now the designated first-choice at Stamford Bridge, it seems Mendy has been reduced to a back-up role at the West London club.

Although the Senegal international came into the starting side at Chelsea in the final weeks before the World Cup, that was due to Kepa's injury and Potter clearly favours the Spaniard.

From a relative unknown to the FIFA Best Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021 to a liability in the space of three years, Mendy has enjoyed a rollercoaster ride since moving to the Premier League, but it seems as though his future at Chelsea could be short-lived.

The Blues signed Mendy following Kepa's poor form upon joining from Athletic Club for a world record fee in 2018, and he immediately replaced the Spaniard in the starting XI. It now seems as though the reverse has happened, and it could mean Mendy is sold if Chelsea need to raise funds to sign reinforcements elsewhere.