Kepa Arrizabalaga has been able to regain starting spot from Edouard Mendy.
Speaking to the media after the game against Brentford (h/t Evening Standard), Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga of the confidence and push from manager Graham Potter behind his upturn in form.
The Spaniard has been sensational for the Blues since Potter took charge of the team. He got a lucky break because previous number one Edouard Mendy was injured at the time.
However, the 28-year-old has taken his chance with both hands and made multiple great saves in every game he has played. He has looked assured on the ball and possessed a good command of the box from crosses and set-piece situations.
Here’s what Kepa said regarding his upturn in form and his vow to work even harder (h/t Evening Standard):
“I feel good and as I am helping the team when they need, so for that I am happy. Every player needs confidence and a push from the head coach. For a goalkeeper, maybe it is even more important when you play games in a row.
“You always have to be aware, as in training it isn’t the same. Now I am confident, and I think I am playing well. I need to keep working.”
Kepa had a torrid time between the sticks at the start of the 2020/21 season. Eventually, Chelsea and the manager at the time Frank Lampard ran out of patience and signed Mendy to take over the number one duty.
The Senegal international did an exceptional job, helping the club in winning the Champions League in 2021 and having a good defensive record overall last season.
But, he lost some form at the start of this campaign and got injured, which allowed Kepa to come back and take that number-one spot for now. The Spaniard is doing a great job of it so far.
Long may it continue because Potter has made it clear that he is going to let football decide who his number one is. So, there isn’t a fixed place for anyone in that position.
The challenges will keep on coming though, with a tough game against an in-form Manchester United on Saturday, followed by a potentially important game in the Champions League away to RB Salzburg on Tuesday.
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