Thomas Tuchel has explained that Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is constantly impressing in training, despite the fact he rarely picks him in games.
Blues shot-stopper Kepa made just his sixth appearance of the season Wednesday night in the 2-0 victory away to Brentford.
The 27-year-old made a few outstanding saves in the first half to play a big role in Chelsea beating Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, which has set up a showdown against Tottenham in the semi-finals.
Tuchel raved about the Spanish goalkeeper post-match after his individual performance last night. He also gave an insight into how he’s been impressing on the training pitches.
“I am very happy in general. Happy is maybe not the right word but I am super impressed with Kepa. It is not a surprise anymore because he is in the state of mind as a person, character and sportsman where he just delivers for us because he does what he does best,” Tuchel said.
“This is what he shows every day in training and this is why he gets the reward. I am absolutely sure that this is the reason why he has these kinds of performances.
“I am super happy, we need him in this kind of shape. The goalkeepers are a strong group. Kepa is a big part of it and Kepa was a big factor today, in the first half especially.”
Chelsea can rely on Kepa
Kepa’s troubles at Stamford Bridge are well documented, but he deserves big praise for his displays this season.
He’s proving to be an excellent understudy to number one goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and hasn’t let the side down when he’s played this campaign.
£155,000-a-week ace Kepa was the penalty shootout hero in wins over Aston Villa and Southampton in earlier rounds of the Carabao Cup. It was great to see him deliver yet again last night during the impressive cup run, too.
It’s an extremely difficult position to be in as the back-up goalkeeper, so the way he’s performed and acted professionally deserves huge applause.
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