Could Chelsea’s Mendy be the Best Signing of the Summer?

After their year-long ban on signing new players, Chelsea went into the summer transfer window like a starved dog that’s just been presented with a Christmas dinner to feast on. They stormed into the market and snaffled up some of Europe’s choicest cuts of meat including Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, and Hakim Ziyech. This glittery attack is impressive, but the best signing may have been made between the sticks. Edouard Mendy was a late addition to the London side, but the £22 million acquisition could be the best bit of business that Chelsea, or anyone, made in the window.

Mendy Instantly Tightens up Leaky Defense

Frank Lampard’s managerial record has been marred by defensive instability. During his fledgling outing at Derby County in the 2018-19 season, his side conceded 54 goals from 46 games. In the following season at Chelsea, Lampard’s defense was criticized as well. They conceded 54 goals in 38 games that time, meaning that they had the joint 11th-best backline. Kepa Arrizabalaga was the main recipient of the harsh words of pundits, and it was clear that the 26-year-old Spaniard wasn’t cut out for the English top flight.

However, it now appears as though the former Chelsea midfielder has addressed these issues and sorted out his backline. The signing of the experienced center back, Thiago Silva, has helped, but it could be the addition of Mendy that was the real masterstroke. In the 28-year-old’s first three Premier League outings for the Blues, he kept three clean sheets against Crystal Palace, Manchester United, and Burnley. It seems that the former Rennes man has brought a calming influence to the defense and is able to take a commanding role in directing his defensive wall.

Could Chelsea Now be Title Contenders?

If Chelsea can maintain this defensive rigidity, they have to be considered in the conversation about potential title contenders. At the time of writing, Lampard’s charges can be backed at 12/1 to win the division in the online betting at William Hill, behind the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Manchester City. But with Mendy as the number one shot-stopper, bookies may have to reevaluate their odds on the London side.

There is no denying that Chelsea now possesses one of the most potent attacking units in the division, and Lampard has a wealth of riches at his disposal in the final third. With 16 goals in the first seven games, it appears that sides are going to find it difficult to shut the likes of Werner and Ziyech out. That, combined with a resolute backline, makes for a potentially title-winning combination.

What Were the Other Top Signings?

Of course, it is hard to say that Mendy is the greatest signing of the summer when there have been so many other top additions. Diogo Jota, for instance, has to be near the top of the list after bursting onto the scene at Anfield in a big way.

Most of the former Wolves man’s early showings in the top flight were from the bench, but this didn’t stop him from bagging three goals in his first five games. The lethal forward also scored four goals in his initial three Champions League outings, including an outstanding hat-trick, for the Merseyside club.

Another notable mention should go to Thomas Partey at Arsenal, who looks to be a future star at the North London club. His addition instantly improved the defense and he could end up being the most solid midfield general the Gunners have had since Patrick Vieira.

It is probably too early in the campaign to say which summer signing is the best, but Mendy certainly has the potential to be considered. If the new goalkeeper can keep up the clean sheets throughout the season, Chelsea may end up in the title mix towards the end.