Joe Cole claims that Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga looks like he’s “bulked up”.
Kepa, 26, came off the bench in unusual circumstances on Wednesday night to help the Blues win the UEFA Super Cup.
The Spanish goalkeeper was substituted on for Edouard Mendy against Villarreal in the closing stages of extra time. He proceeded to save two penalties in the shootout to vindicate the decision from manager Thomas Tuchel to use him as a penalty specialist.
It’s certainly an odd tactic to take off your number one goalkeeper for a penalty scenario, however, it worked a treat to help clinch European silverware in the first game of their 2021/22 season.
Kepa’s actual minutes on the pitch are extremely limited nowadays as he’s relegated to the role of number two goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge. The debut season from teammate Mendy last year deserves immense credit.
Pundit and ex-Chelsea star Cole pointed out a physical difference he noticed in Kepa prior to the Villarreal shootout.
“Kepa we’ve not seen for a while. He looked like he bulked up a bit. He looked a bit stronger,” Cole said on BT Sport 1 (10:34pm, 11 August).
The Chronicle View
Kepa isn’t the most physically imposing figure for a goalkeeper, so hitting up the gym to get stronger is a smart move.
He needed replacing as Chelsea number one last year and one of the big crosses against him was his shot-stopping, particularly from efforts outside the box.
It’s clear he’s working hard behind the dressing room because the entire squad greeted him with huge celebrations after his midweek heroics on penalties.
It looks an impossible task for him to overtake Mendy anytime soon due to his bad history in a Chelsea shirt. But, he’s not become a bad player overnight. Aged 26, there is plenty of time to him to try reach is potential, whether that be at Stamford Bridge or not.
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