Mendy suggests he deserves to win Lev Yashin award amid Ballon d’Or snub

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has said that he ‘deserves’ to win the Lev Yashin award this season despite being overlooked as a nominee for the Ballon d’Or.

The ceremony for the prestigious award takes place in Paris on Monday evening, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho among the favourites.

Mendy, to many people’s surprise, was not named as a contender for the award this year despite having put together a string of impressive performances for the Blues, as well as having played a key role in the club’s second Champions League success.

Whilst the Senegalese will not take home the Ballon d’Or, he is however in the running for the Lev Yashin award for the title of the best goalkeeper in Europe.

He faces tough competition from the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ederson, Samir Handanovic, Emi Martinez, Keylor Navas, Manuel Neuer, Jan Oblak and Kasper Schmeichel.

Despite that, Mendy believes that he has a credible argument over claiming the award.

Talking to BBC Sport Africa, he said: “Of course I think I can win it.

“[If I do win it] I think it would be something I would have deserved. It’s something I have worked hard to get, so it would be a great pride given my journey.”

Mendy has of course been in inspirational form since his arrival at Chelsea from Rennes in the summer of 2020.

He has so far made 62 outings for the club in all competitions, keeping an outstanding 36 clean sheets in that time, whilst he has conceded just seven goals in 18 appearances throughout the current campaign.

The 29-year-old previously admitted that he was left somewhat surprised at his lack of a Ballon d’Or nomination.

Talking to Canal Plus earlier this month, Mendy said: “It’s something that motivates me and pushes me to work. Honestly, I am wondering.

“If I had played for France and had taken part in the [European Championships], would we have this debate and this reflection?”