Derby Drama: Can Mendy Write History with a Clean Sheet?

Derby Spotlight: Can Mendy Write History with a Clean Sheet?

The Senegalese goalkeeper Edward Mendy of Al Ahli is set to guard the net against Al Ittihad on Friday, as Round 25 of the Roshen Saudi Pro League unfolds.

Al Ahli sit second in the table with 59 points, two behind leaders Al Nassr, while Al Ittihad sit sixth on 42.

Despite Al Ittihad's potent attack, Mendy has been the trusted last line since arriving in the summer of 2023: three wins, one draw, two goals conceded, and three clean sheets in derby clashes.

Mendy currently tops this season's clean sheets chart with 11 shutouts, maintaining a steady run and turning the goalmouth into a no-fly zone, a feat that has earned him praise from teammates and fans alike.

He's chasing Marcelo Grohe's single-season record of 19 clean sheets, set in 2022-23 with Al Shabab. With ten rounds remaining, Mendy needs eight more shutouts to draw level.

With a Derby aura around him and trusted form behind him, Mendy remains the man to watch in this clash.

Record-Chasing Mission

If successful, he will bring Al Ahli closer to securing a home win and potentially threaten the top of the table.

In ten rounds left, every clean sheet is a step toward Grohe's mark and a statement that the derby is still decided by a goalkeeper, not just fireworks.

Punchline: If he keeps a clean sheet, the net might file a complaint for harassment against the ball.

Punchline 2: In this derby, even the whistle is nervous—Mendy's on a roll and the scoreboard can't spell 'defense' without him.