Analysis

Should Chelsea still keep faith on Kepa Arrizabalaga?

Posted on

25-year-old Kepa Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea FC from Athletic Bilbao in a £72million deal. The Spanish international joined Stamford Bridge in 2018 and became the most expensive goalkeeper in the world.

The 2019-20 season saw Kepa’s horrid performances between the sticks. He has been criticized heavily by the Chelsea fans and his consistently poor performances have made Frank Lampard drop him from big games. His discipline and his form are also under questions.

The memory of his blunder Sarri way back in February 2019 is still fresh. Angry young man, Kepa refused to be substituted near the end of extra time against Manchester City in the EFL Cup final.

He disrespected his manager’s decision and Chelsea eventually lost the game despite Kepa saving a penalty in the tie-breakers.

Faith has been lost by the Chelsea supporters on the young Spanish goalkeeper. The board thinks that the 25-year-old makes the expected saves and does not perform beyond that. He has not shown exceptional reflex or goalkeeping ability under the Chelsea sticks. In short, he has not lived up to the expectations and the huge price that was spent by the club.

There have been serious questions on the Chelsea backline. The teen goalkeeper hasn’t been able to communicate with the defense when under pressure. Chelsea’s defense takes a part of the blame too. This has overall cost the club in major competitions by conceding goals that could have avoided.

When you analyze Kepa’s season in the goal for Chelsea, it is hard to point out any howlers from his side in the Premier League. But his attitude in the goal line and very poor confidence has made things worse for him. He has lost conviction in plenty of situations.

Reports suggest that the Blues coach is unconvinced by his shot-stopper and has decided to bring in a new signing to be Chelsea’s No. 1 keeper. Lampard made sure that his feelings reach Kepa’s ears by dropping him from the final Premier League match of Chelsea. In the FA Cup final, he once again made him start the match from the bench.

This has made Kepa’s Chelsea career hanging by a thread.

Mark Bosnich, the ex-Chelsea goalkeeper expresses his thoughts on Kepa. Despite the long contract he has with Chelsea, Bosnich believes that Kepa should make an exit from the club.

In an interview with Sky Sports, he said: “Obviously Lampard and Kepa don’t see eye-to-eye. He seems to be looking for a new goalkeeper but his transfer fee could be a problem.”

“I think the amicable thing would be to make sure Kepa is sold and goes to another club. It will then allow  Chelsea to move on with someone else.”

The former Chelsea and England defender, Ashley Cole believes this to be a difficult situation for Lampard.

 “It’s tough. There is that price tag on him.”

“He came in for £70-odd million. It’s very high, so what do you do? I can’t see there being too many buyers, not for his quality but in terms of that price.

It’s going to be difficult,” he said during the FA Cup final, after Lampard benched Kepa.

Since then, Chelsea had been in talks with a large number of keepers including Gianluigi Donarumma and Jan Oblak in recent months

Although there is still a debate about whether Kepa remains at Stamford Bridge or not, the Blues will stick with him.

It is fair to say that Kepa shouldn’t be outcasted. He is a talented young keeper who still has a lot to grow overall. Considering his past performances which made him overtake De Gea to become Spain’s first-choice keeper, he should be kept.

The fans should welcome Lampard’s decision to bring in a new keeper to make the two fight for the No.1 spot. This healthy competition in turn will benefit Chelsea in the coming seasons.

Related Items:,

Recommended for you

To Top