Chelsea Manager Thomas Tuchel Heaps Praise on Senegalese Goalkeeper Ahead of Lille Clash

• Thomas Tuchel has praised the impact of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy since his arrival at the club
• The German trainer lavished praises on Mendy as he makes a return to France for the UEFA Champions League
• Chelsea travel to France to play Lille in the second leg of their round of 16 clash in Europe's elite competition

Chelsea's German trainer, Thomas Tuchel, is full of praise for goalkeeper Edouard Mendy following his incredible form since joining the Blues.

Mendy has been an integral part of Tuchel's success at the London club, helping him win the UEFA Champions League, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

Ahead of their UEFA Champions League game against Lille in France, Tuchel lauded the Senegalese who used to play in the French Ligue.

“Edou is a high-level goalkeeper with a strong character. He is also very humble. I think everyone at Chelsea, including the fans, wishes him this success because he gives everything for the team. He plays a key role and we are very happy with the way he has evolved,” said Thomas Tuchel as quoted by 13 Football.

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“He has been exceptional since I took office at Chelsea. He played a key role, he was strong mentally and on the pitch, he was the key to our best performances."

Edouard Mendy kept a clean sheet in the first leg as Chelsea won 2-0 at the Stamford Bridge.

Edouard Mendy explains difference between winning AFCON and UCL

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy says winning the Africa Cup of Nations gave him 'ten times chills' over being crowned a UEFA Champions League winner.

The Chelsea number one played a key role in the club's UEFA Champions League success last season, keeping the most clean sheets as the English giants were crowned European champions.

In an interview with French magazine Onze Mondial, the former Stade Rennais goalkeeper rated the Africa Cup of Nations triumph top on his list of successes.

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Edouard Mendy in contention for CAF Player of the Year award

The Confederation of African Football is set to organise the 2021 Africa Player of the year award later in March as discussions over a venue begins.

The 2020 edition, which should have been hosted in January 2021 had to be boycotted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, according to 13 Football, the ceremony will be held this year with a venue yet to be confirmed by CAF.