Mendy praises prolific Falcao for not playing nice

Benjamin Mendy has praised the upturn in fortunes of Monaco talisman Radamel Falcao, hailing the striker for “not playing nice in front of goal”.

Colombia international Falcao initially failed to settle at Monaco following his big-money move from Atletico Madrid in 2013, and a knee injury suffered in January 2014 prevented him from playing in the World Cup that year.

Unsuccessful loan spells at Manchester United and Chelsea followed, with Falcao returning to the Ligue 1 club after the end of his stint at Stamford Bridge last season.

But he has been rejuvenated under Leonardo Jardim this term, his 14 league goals helping give Monaco a three-point lead over defending champions Paris Saint-Germain at the top.

And Mendy, who joined from Marseille in June, has been impressed with the attitude displayed by Falcao.

Mendy told a media conference ahead of Saturday’s game with Metz: “As soon as he came I felt that he was a great character. He’s very humble and full of respect. Being the person he is, he could feel [like he is] better than the others but no.

“Everyone loves him for it. He’s fully a part of the squad. He speaks to everyone.

“I never doubted his work. As we say he’s ‘El Tigre’. He’s not playing nice in front of the goal.”