Mendy: 'Not completely mad' that I could become world's best left-back

Benjamin Mendy doesn't think it's "completely mad" for him to establish himself as the world's leading left-back at Manchester City.

The Frenchman has quickly become a popular figure at his new club thanks to his busy outings down the left-hand side of Pep Guardiola's lineup and his off-pitch persona, like when he mocks fellow full-back Kyle Walker on social media or wears a hat bearing the face of club mascot Moonchester.

Now, following a sensational season with Monaco that saw the principality outfit demand £52 million for his services in the summer, the 23-year-old told Telefoot he wants to kick on after his impressive start with City.

"No, it's not completely mad," he replied when asked if it was far-fetched that he could become the world's best in his position, as reported by ESPN FC's Ian Holyman. "Why not? There's a long way to go, but by working, everything is possible."

The early signs in England have been good. Mendy's hugging of the touchline is helping open up space in the middle of the park for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva, and the buccaneering full-back's penchant for running at opponents and delivering quick crosses into the box has been rampant. He, along with many others in Guardiola's ranks, has starred to help City sit atop the Premier League courtesy of a better goal difference than archrival Manchester United.

And Mendy certainly isn't short on objectives for what he can achieve in Manchester.

"To win two or three trophies this season with City," Mendy answered when asked about ambitions in his maiden English term. "There is a very big project here, one of the biggest in Europe. We're going to continue writing the history of this club."

Manchester City has scored 22 goals in its past five outings, and welcomes Shakhtar Donetsk to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday in the second round of Champions League group-stage fixtures.