Chelsea have made a number of big signings over the last year or so.
All of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Romelu Lukaku have been brought into the club for fairly large fees.
Perhaps Chelsea’s best bit of business over the last few windows, however, has come in the form of Edouard Mendy.
The 29-year-old was signed from Stade Rennais for a fee believed to be around £21m.
Mendy has since gone on to usurp Kepa Arrizabalaga as the Blues’ no.1, whilst putting on some starring displays in the process.
Chelsea have won the Champions League with Mendy as their no.1 and have the second-best defensive record in the Premier League so far this term, with Mendy clearly a big reason why.
So, it is not too surprising to see Thomas Tuchel heaping praise on Mendy in his pre-Lille press conference.
When asked about Mendy’s development, Tuchel said: “Edouard is a top guy, a very strong character, very humble. I think everyone at Chelsea, including the supporters wish him success because he give everything for the team playing a key role. I am so pleased with how he has developed.
“He has been exceptional since I took over, played a key role. He is mentally strong, also on the pitch, he has been key to our top performances. He transmits that calmness to our defenders.
“Always he thinks about the team. I am very happy to have him in my squad, pleased to coach him and it’s great to have him here every day. He’s a fantastic character.”
Lille vs Chelsea
Chelsea face off with Lille in a Champions League tie on Wednesday evening.
Chelsea head into the game boasting a 2-0 lead from the first leg and are expected to quite easily advance to the quarter-finals.
With the sanctions currently in place at Chelsea, there was some uncertainty if they could actually afford to travel to Lille, but Tuchel has confirmed that they do have a plane to travel to Lille.
