Carlo Ancelotti has never hidden his admiration for Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy, even going as far as calling the Frenchman the ‘best defensive full-back’ in the world earlier this year.
And, more often than not, when fit and available, the left-back has repaid the faith shown by the manager in full, playing key roles in Real Madrid’s success during the 2021/22 and the 2023/24 seasons.
Intriguingly, when Mendy missed a large part of the 2022/23 season due to injuries, Real Madrid failed to win both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Mendy’s levels dip
Now, in the ongoing season, Mendy’s performance has declined, and Real Madrid are feeling the impact.
Despite that, Real Madrid boss Ancelotti retains full faith and confidence in the French international, reports AS.
Mendy, who has agreed a new contract with the club recently, turned in one of his weakest performances last weekend against Barcelona, where Lamine Yamal caused him all sorts of problems.
The left-back has featured in 13 out of 15 matches this season for Los Blancos but has not been near his best level.
In fact, Mendy was a starter in all five disappointing results for Real Madrid this season (draws against Mallorca, Las Palmas and Atletico Madrid, and losses against Lille and Barcelona).
The statistics support his decline: he is winning fewer defensive duels this season (55%) compared to last season (64% at this stage) and has already been dribbled past three times (in seven attempts), whereas last season he was beaten only seven times in 20 attempts.
However, Ancelotti continues to keep faith in Mendy, who remains the first-choice left-back ahead of Fran Garcia. With a run of crucial fixtures coming up, Real Madrid will hope that the ex-Lyon man rediscovers his best form.