‘He is doing well’: Chelsea loanee now defended by legend at current club amid criticism

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Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga has been praised by Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is at the Spanish giants for the season and recently came under scrutiny after a goal he conceded in his side’s 3-2 win against Napoli in the Champions League.

However, speaking at La Gazzetta dello Sport‘s Festival dello Sport event, Casillas defended his compatriot.

Real Madrid decided to bring Kepa in on loan after first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois picked up a long-term injury.

Kepa Arrizabalaga doing well

Despite some of the criticism Kepa has received, Casillas thinks the 29-year-old is doing a good job at the Santiago Bernabeu.

On Courtois and Kepa, the World Cup-winning captain said: “Today, the best goalkeeper is Courtois, although now he has to deal with a serious injury.

“I really like Kepa despite the comparison with the Belgian. He has received a lot of criticism but for me, he is doing well and he is replacing him very well.”

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s height

One reason why Kepa does struggle at times is because of his height. The Spain international stands at just 6 ft 2, which is quite short for a goalkeeper.

His current manager Carlo Ancelotti has even admitted that Kepa tends to struggle in the air.

“He’s tremendous between the sticks and he made a great save in the first half, but he struggles in the air,” the Italian was quoted as saying by Real Madrid’s official website after the victory over Napoli.

It is one reason why we think Chelsea should consider letting the shot-stopper stay at Real Madrid if they decide they want to buy him at the end of his loan.

During the summer, the Blues also bought Robert Sanchez, who has done extremely well since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man recently won Premier League Save of the Month for September.

All in all, then, now looks like a good time for Chelsea to part ways with Kepa for good, and it would not be a shock to see that happen come the summer.