‘Keparadones’ Arrizabalaga

The Chelsea signed on Kepa Arrizabalaga in 2018 for 80 million. The London club saw the Spanish goalkeeper as their caretaker for the next ten seasons. The bet is important and the performance of the former player of Athletic, Valladolid Y Ponferradina It is irregular in its beginning.

Frank Lampard, coach of Chelsea from the beginning of the 19-20 season and until the end of the 20-21in the summer market of 2020, requested the signing of a goalkeeper. I came Edouard Mendywho quickly earned a spot in the eleven. Kepa’s situation is delicate. He doesn’t trust the coach, he’s a substitute and the few times he’s played he’s shown a huge lack of trust between the sticks.. Undoubtedly, one of the worst moments of his sports career. In England, he was showered with criticism and memes. The situation It ended up costing him his place in the Spanish teamwhere he started with a proprietary advantage over others.

As always in life, there is usually some light at the end of the tunnel. And the light has a first and last name: Thomas Tuchel, who took over as Chelsea manager in early 2021. With the German coach, Mendy continues to be a starter and Kepa is a substitute. However, the coach is giving the Spaniard an occasional game and he is gradually building his confidence. Every time he comes out his level gets better and better, there are glimpses of Goalkeeper paid 80M. Although he is still clearly a replacement. Time is passing and the possibility of going to the World Cup is getting further away.

The 2022 transfer market seems to be the last train trying to hold the World Cup. The Naples showed interest and a deal was close, but in the end it didn’t happen. Kepa stayed in London and the World Cup seemed impossible. Despite recovering sensations and having the confidence of the coach, Mendy still went ahead.

However, the goalkeeper regained his self-esteem and faith in his game. Those who know him say he works like a beast and will be ready when they need him. And so it happened.

At the start of September, his Chelsea adventure would change forever.. The club fired Tuchelto whom you will always be grateful, Graham Potter comes on and Mendy is injured. He had a chance to start from scratch, with a new coach and starter. Kepa faces his last chance to succeed in the ‘blue’ team. The World Cup is no longer a priority, it is a distant dream, almost impossible. The important thing is to play regularly and do it at a good level. What no one could have imagined was that overnight, his saves could be at the level of the best goalkeepers in the world. He was the best in the team for two months. Impressive from above, ten with his feet, cat under the stick and with body language that oozes confidence all over. One day laughter, now applause and recognition. Stamford Bridge has a new idol.

The World Cup kicks off in less than a month and it looks like doing so without Kepa in Luís Enrique’s plans, but Ondárroa’s man is rushing his chances. Too much because of his fitness and quality, he deserves to be a starter. He is the best Spanish goalkeeper currently. His performances go round the world and opposing strikers see little purpose when he is under the sticks.

Whatever happens, Kepa is back and the ‘Keparadons’ are all the rage.