Scout Reports

Scout Report – Benjamin Mendy

Manchester City’s huge summer investment on full-backs continued on Monday with the acquisition of Benjamin Mendy from Monaco for a reported fee of £52m.

Arriving at the Etihad on a six-year contract, the highly-rated 23-year-old hailed manager Pep Guardiola’s tactical approach as key to his decision:

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City. They are one of Europe’s leading Clubs and in Pep Guardiola they have a manager committed to playing attacking football. I am sure that over the next few years we will be successful.”

Meanwhile, the club’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, talked up the France international’s prospects:

“Benjamin has all the qualities we are looking for in a full-back. For such a young player, he has a wealth of top-level experience. He is undoubtedly one of the world’s best full-backs, our number one target in this position. We are all delighted to have him here at Manchester City. I’m sure he will prove a fantastic addition to the squad.”

The History

A product of the Le Havre youth system, Mendy made his debut for the club back in 2011/12 just a few weeks after his seventeenth birthday. Over the course of two seasons in the French second division, he produced four assists across 57 appearances.

Mendy then made his way to Ligue 1 outfit Marseille in July 2013. He struggled to cement regular starts, making just 24 appearances in his first year and serving up one goal and four assists.

However, the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa in May 2014 proved instrumental in Mendy’s development – the youngster was handed 33 starts and delivered a trio of assists in the Chilean’s only full season at the helm. Mendy produced a further goal and assist in 24 outings over the 2015/16 campaign before making his way to Monaco last summer.

Afforded license to raid forward by manager Leonardo Jardim, Mendy was a vital cog in the swashbuckling side that swept to last season’s Ligue 1 title. He played 25 times, producing five assists, and claimed another three assists in seven Champions League outings as Monaco made it through to the semi-finals.

His temperament remains somewhat volatile, though. Mendy was banned for five league matches last season after kicking an opponent in an off-the-ball altercation.

On the international stage, Mendy has represented France on a total of 58 times at every level from U16 through to U21, finding the net three times.

Handed his senior debut in March of this year, he has since turned out for Les Bleus on four occasions.

The Prospects

Having parted company with Aleksandar Kolarov, Gael Clichy, Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna over the close-season, Guardiola’s transformation in the full-back area now looks complete.

Mendy and fellow new boy Kyle Walker seem set to become the club’s first-choice left-back and right-back respectively, with the versatile signing Danilo offering cover in both positions.

There are two ways to look at Guardiola’s defensive chopping and changing last season. Considering that Clichy and Sagna were the most used players at left-back and right-back respectively with 22 and 13 starts in those roles, we can anticipate heavy rotation at full-back once again.

On the other hand, it can also be argued that the City manager was unconvinced by the previous options at his disposal – he even played Jesus Navas as a right-back on four occasions. With his own players now on board, he could be less inclined to tinker.

Having toyed with the idea of “inverted full-backs”, Guardiola’s decision to acquire Mendy and Walker suggests that he’s looking to utilise a more conventional approach in his second year at the Etihad. Although both new arrivals are comfortable as wing-backs, it seems more likely that City will opt for a four-man defensive unit.

Certainly, the need for improvements was obvious – with just 16 key passes to his name, Clichy was City’s most creative defender in 2016/17.

It’s a little surprising to learn that Mendy created only 25 chances last term – averaging a key pass every 82.4 minutes. Indeed, that is less frequent than Walker’s 69.3 minutes with Spurs, as he recorded six FPL assists, more than any defender.

A further scan of the data reinforces the theory that Mendy is more likely to be a provider of opportunities rather than a direct goal threat. He averaged an effort on goal every 147.1 minutes in 2016/17, which is very similar to Walker’s 142.3 minutes.

In terms of defensive contribution, Walker also has the edge – he completed 80% of attempted tackles to the Frenchman’s 68.5%.

However, the Frenchman’s delivery from the flank is far more impressive. He completed 24% (36 of 150) of his crosses in Ligue 1 last term, while Walker registered a success rate of 13.5% (13 of 96 crosses).

Mendy’s performance for this metric compares well to Southampton’s Cedric Soares – who completed more crosses (43 of 144) than any other FPL defender. The Saints’ right-back succeeded with 29.9% of his attempts.

Indeed, in his first interview for the club, Mendy was quick to outline his talent as a provider of goals.

“I can bring a lot of creativity in the game. I can offer different solutions. I like to play as full-back and provide assists for the strikers.”

That potential for assists could be a deciding factor for those considering investing in a defence that, despite chalking up just 12 clean sheets, still conceded fewer shots than any other side last season.

As evidenced towards the latter Gameweeks, the fitness of Vincent Kompany will impact on our assessment of the City defence and their likelihood of shutting out opponents.

Valued at 6.0 in Fantasy Premier League, the Belgian – who notched three times in 11 league appearances – offers a goal threat and could remain our favoured route should he stay fit.

At present, though, Walker has proven the more popular pick. Initially listed at former club Spurs, the England international is owned by 18.9% despite a price tag of 6.5.

Mendy comes in at the same cost as Walker in FPL, although interestingly he’s been priced at 8.3 in Sky Sports. That’s a full 1.2 less than Walker (9.5), with only Eliaquim Mangala – at 7.6 – cheaper in the City defence.

Mendy’s pacey raids and supply of crosses look set to become a prominent feature of City’s attack. Meanwhile, encounters with Brighton, Bournemouth, Watford and Palace in the first six Gameweeks afford him an early opportunity to impress. He’s expected to be fit for the start of the season, though Pep Guardiola confirmed this Wednesday that he’ll be out for a couple of weeks with a minor knock.

While it seems sensible to allow Mendy time to settle into life at the Etihad, his displays against Spurs and City in last season’s Champions League – where he supplied an assist against both clubs – hints that he is equipped to make an immediate impact.

Further Reference

Benjamin Mendy Wikipedia

Benjamin Mendy TransferMarkt Page

Benjamin Mendy You Tube Highlights

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

3,378 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Every time I flick back to the game there's a Roma player on the floor.

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      YES

  2. Keno
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Been going back and forth all day between KDB and Sane lol.. I know Sane is cheaper and more advanced role but KDB every time I watch the kid is just super dangerous, plus on all set pieces...

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Is your question, 'should I pick KDB because he is very good and I want him?'?

      1. Keno
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Is KDB worth the extra cost I guess.

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          What do you think? You've been putting more thought into it than me 🙂

          1. Keno
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            I like KDB more honestly. People are worried about him playing in a deep role but that doesn't really faze me, he still gets forward quite a lot. + Set Pieces, + Pretty Nailed on. Nailed on as you can be for Man City.

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              I agree. I thought he played in the same position much of last season, no? He's been in my team since the game opened.

              1. Keno
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 10 months ago

                Towards the end of last season when he was playing CM, he outscored Sanchez.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      KDB is also nailed.

      1. Keno
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Deff more nailed than Sane, yea I agree.

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Why? Do you you want cover? They do not present good value based on last season.

  3. smix
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Foster
    Bailly Trippier Cedric Ake
    KDB Coutinho Willian Zaha
    Kane Lukaku
    Elliot Carroll Fletcher Rangel

    Pls rate !

    1. andy Harding
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Baily not gonna score goals so y not put ddg in goals and put a west brom defender in same price and dawson and mc cauly will have more attacking threat and will still have united cover in defence.

      Good team horrible bench

    2. Captain Remorse
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      9/10

  4. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Just mail him at ahujashivam18@gmail.com, he will provide you the details.
    I have joined. You all also join. Could be super fun.
    Thanks.

  5. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Winks goal

  6. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Scenes!

  7. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I love Jansen's cheeky attempt

  8. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    ViratKohli's cash league , if anyone interested
    Cash league for INDIANS only. Entry fee ₹100, winner gets 70% of the pool, second place gets the remaining 30%. Payment only through Paytm. Entries close before GW1. Number of entries depend on the number of responses (ideally I'll take around first 20-25)

    Just mail him at ahujashivam18@gmail.com, he will provide you the details.
    I have joined. You all also join. Could be super fun.
    Thanks.

  9. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    2-2

  10. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Janssen goal 2-2

  11. Keno
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Jansen!

  12. Parm
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Just did Alli to Winks and freed up £4.5m!

    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Now Kane to Janssen. A total of £9.5m saved!

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Sell Trippier

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Nice! I just did Kane to Janssen myself 😉

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      So brave before August 11th

  13. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Janssen has been brilliant

  14. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    NOW it's "scenes"

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      How much delay on your stream? 😛

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Seems to be the same as everyone else. How much in the future are you?

  15. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Roma 3-2

  16. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Roma 3-2

  17. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    So what do we do with the extra £5m?

    1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Cash out.

  18. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    If you resort to 2 * 4.0 GK - Elliot would have to be nailed and absolute fodder ( which needs research to find any two pointers or a gem) this team is possible.

    Blind or Darmian depends on who looks most nailed.
    Is it worth the risk?

    Elliot

    Trippier Blind Cedric Daniels

    Alli Cout Sane Willian

    Kane Lukaku

    1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Not worth the risk.

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Just the keepers or bench fodder too risk aswell
        Daniels to a 4.5 and 2 4.5 keepers ok?

        1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Minimum I'd spend on keepers is 8.5m. A 4.5 keeper and 4.0 backup from the same team/Elliot(if first choice for Newcastle).

          4.5m nailed defenders and mids on the bench.

          1. Albrightondknight
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Thanks making Daniels plus the 4.0 to 2 nailed 4.5 rotating defenders is an option.

    2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yes... one of Blind or Damian should be nailed... If it is obvious in 2 weeks, I am doing it. Right now I am on Bailly

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks. I just want this team. Jesus and Alonso too but that ain't happening for 100 mil.
        If I field 9 or 10 GW1 it can be sorted. 9 goods ones might be better than 11 mediocre one 🙂

  19. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Wimmer is an absolute disaster

  20. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Full time Roma 3 Spurs 2

  21. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    5 points from Trippier, Alli & Kane 🙂

  22. smix
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A. Alli & Sane or
    B. KDB & Coutinho ?

    1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B.

    2. Chelsea222
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B if you have Kane

  23. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Will Milojecic be nailed on for palace? Or zaha a safer bet?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Zaha's more attacking.

    2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Mili is definitely nailed and on Free Kicks (beauty Goal last weekend) and Pens... he is in on my team ATM

    3. Chelsea222
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      We all would love to know that answer officially but need to continue to monitor.

  24. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Janssen Golden Boot this year I reckon

  25. We Will Klopp you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Janessen triple captain vs Newcastle, Winks vc 😉

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Of course...

  26. smix
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    DDG
    Dawson Trippier Cedric Ake
    Alli Coutinho Willian Zaha
    Kane Lukaku
    Elliot Carroll Mee Fletcher

    Pls rate !

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Not big on losing that extra million to a GK.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Very good. Nice balance. I'm not a fan of 4 defenders but I see a lot going that way so might reconsider.

  27. Tiamani Warrior
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Trippier wing back today? I had a bit of a break end of last season - did spurs play 3 at the back often?

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I think just the two CBs, Verty and Alder...

  28. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Benjamin Mendy injured for 2/3 weeks. Doubt for GW1. Source - https://twitter.com/mancity/status/890030399476318209

  29. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Better option?

    A. Coutinho milejovic
    B. Zaha tadic

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A

  30. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Hey DZs:
    Really stuck trying to get one more quality Mid while trying to prioritize what to hold on my bench:
    Foster (Elliott)
    Cedric Bailly Trippier (Daniels, Dunk)
    KDB Willian Miliojovic Ramsey (Cork)
    Kane Kaku Austin

    Should I avoid Pool with crazy first two weeks of play in games?
    Should I get Alli from Ramsey and move my bench to fodder?
    Should I downsize Austin to fodder to upgrade Ramsey to Alli or Coutinho?
    Thanks in advance mates!