Kepa Arrizabalaga, who became the world's most expensive goalkeeper when he joined the Blues, had produced a series of errors in the weeks leading up to Mendy signing from Rennes on a five-year deal last month.

The relatively unknown stopper was hailed by his new boss, Frank Lampard, for "showing his quality" in the 0-0 draw against Sevilla that opened the club's account for the season in Europe and ended a dismal defensive run.

Senegal star Mendy impressed even more at Krasnodar, thwarting Daniil Utkin's fierce low strike with his fingertips to prevent the Premier League side from enduring a nightmare start to their tricky trip.