‘He is a great lad’: Rob Green says he is ‘thrilled’ at what’s happened to Chelsea player recently

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Rob Green says he is delighted to see Kepa Arrizabalaga’s recent revival in a Chelsea shirt.

Speaking to Goal, the former Blues goalkeeper revelled in the fact Kepa has seemingly found his feet, and hands, at the club again.

A rollercoaster ride for Kepa

It’s been quite the journey for the Spaniard ever since he stepped foot in Stamford Bridge almost four years ago.

Purchased by Maurizio Sarri as the world’s most expensive player in his position, the ‘keeper enjoyed a decent debut campaign.

However, Frank Lampard’s arrival the following term signalled Kepa’s fall from grace.

Error-strewn performances left the 27-year-old’s reputation in tatters.

At times during Lampard’s first spell, he replaced Sarri’s signing with veteran goalie Willy Caballero.

The current Everton coach attempted to give Kepa a second chance last season, yet more mistakes meant Edouard Mendy’s move from Rennes was paramount.

Another change in manager shifted the dynamics of the squad once again, although this time, it actually worked in Kepa’s favour.

Whilst Mendy still remains the number one, his support act has proved to be a worthy understudy.

Credit the ‘keeper

Chelsea can arguably thank the Spanish shot-stopper for their last two victorious, against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup and Wednesday’s Club World Cup triumph over Al Hilal.

It says a lot about Kepa’s renaissance that he is heavily being considered to start for tomorrow’s continental final versus Palmeiras.

“On a personal level for him, I am thrilled for him. He is a great lad and full of confidence in himself,” said Green, who shared a dressing room with Kepa during the 2018/19 term.

“It’s pleasing also that he has had a tough time and come through it and grown because of it. It will stand him in good stead for the future.

“It has been a great step forward to get this run of games. He is back making steady performances again.

The ultimate compliment Thomas Tuchel could give to Kepa would be to play him in the Club World Cup finale ahead of Mendy.

Failure to do that, the Chelsea manager should at least honour his cup promise by handing the Carabao Cup showpiece event over to the former Athletico Bilbao man.

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