Chelsea boss Lampard praises ‘low maintenance’ Mendy

Frank Lampard says Edouard Mendy has made a big impact off the pitch as well as on it since his arrival at Chelsea.

Mendy has impressed for the Blues and is set to feature against his former club Rennes in the Champions League on Wednesday.

And the ease with which he has settled at his new club has delighted boss Lampard.

“When we were in to sign him, all the feedback was that he had a great personality – a strong personality in the dressing room,” Lampard said.

“Everything that I heard, all those positives, came true.

“He’s very low maintenance, works hard and is eager to engage with his team-mates and myself, has a smile on his face and has played well.

“When I say low maintenance, he’s a player that has a massive work-ethic to train and push himself every day.

“A lot of that is feedback I get from the coaches – and I’ve had that feedback with the other goalkeepers too.

“He’s shown that work-ethic, smiles every day, is not asking a million questions but he’s asking enough questions which are really relevant – little things like his relationship with players on the pitch, which I love.

“I really enjoy that positive side of the engagement. And he hasn’t knocked on my door much.

“The squad generally is low maintenance and if at times players have to come and speak to me then that’s football as well. That can be a positive too.

“It’s a real positive when you have a player that comes in and hits the ground running on the pitch but is also a real positive in the dressing room – and he’s been that.”

Mendy has replaced the much-maligned Kepa Arrizabalaga, who made a series of costly mistakes.

The Senegal international has conceded just one goal since signing, keeping clean sheets in five of his six Chelsea appearances.

“He’s made a very, very good start to his career here with us,” Lampard said.

“He’s shown the qualities we’ve brought him to the club for and given confidence to those around him.”