Former Nigeria goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has tipped Edouard Mendy to be at his best when Chelsea face Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League final.
Mendy is expected to man the post in Saturday’s clash at the Estadio do Drago in Portugal after the Senegalese made a quick recovery from an injury he picked up in last Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
Mendy has enjoyed an incredible debut season with the Blues since moving from the French Ligue 1 last summer. The 29-year-old has kept eight clean sheets in 11 matches so far.
However, speaking ahead of tonight’s showdown in Porto, Shorunmu believes Mendy and Kepa Arrizzabalaga are equal to the task before them regardless of who starts in goal for the west London side.
“Goalkeepers might not have the pressure but sometimes, it depends on their form. That department is very important,” Shorunmu told Goal.
“Mendy is improving in every game, right now everybody can see he has the abilities to be the no. 1 for Chelsea. He is doing well and he is good in one-on-one and with aerial balls.
“Whether Mendy or Kepa, I’m sure both goalkeepers are up to the task because this is the final stage and they will want to put on their best performance.”
The former Besiktas and FC Zurich goalkeeper further reacted to David De Gea’s missed penalty kick which cost Manchester United the Europa League title against Villarreal on Wednesday.
After a 1-1 draw at the end of extra-time, Villarreal won the match 11-10 on penalties after Geronimo Rulli parried De Gea’s effort.
“We don’t blame De Gea, everybody needs to encourage him,” he said. “Sometimes it happens in football, it was a mistake.
“He was trying to find the net but unfortunately, he missed it. He will get over the pressure and disappointment with time. Hopefully, he will be back to his best.”
