Ben Chilwell singles out Edouard Mendy for praise after his role in Chelsea draw at Leeds

Mendy made some crucial saves at Elland Road.

Ben Chilwell has singled out goalkeeper Edouard Mendy for his role in Chelsea’s goalless draw with Leeds United on Saturday.

Mendy recorded his 19th clean sheet of the Premier League season at Elland Road in a game of few chances.

The former Rennes goalkeeper was on hand however to deny the hosts, pushing a curling effort from Tyler Roberts over the bar before producing a wonderful save to deny Raphinha on the half-turn from close range.

‘When it comes down to it, we can rely on Edu,’ Chilwell told BT Sport post-match.

‘Them one or two opportunities in a game that he has to concentrate (on) and make vital save for us. We know that he is going to do that for us.’

Chilwell also helped keep a Chelsea clean sheet (Picture: Getty)

Pundit Joe Cole was also full of praise for the 29-year-old, insisting Mendy’s calmness at the back has played a big role in Chelsea’s much-improved defensive performances under Tuchel.

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‘There is no team that has won trophies who doesn’t have a goalkeeper who does things like this,’ Cole said after highlighting the crucial saves made to keep Leeds out.

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‘He’s brought that calmness. Today was a little reminder of how good he is and how influential he is on this side.’

Rio Ferdinand added: ‘Confidence just flies throughout the team when you can look back and you think “if I make a mistake, there is still one person who I can lean on and get to save me and pull me out of a bad situation.”

‘He does that, he has a real commanding presence.’

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