Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga does struggle in the air.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was at fault for Napoli’s first goal against Real Madrid last night, failing to deal with a corner properly, and Ancelotti has told the club’s official website and the Spanish media that the goalkeeper finds it hard when competing for aerial balls.
Ancelotti’s side were still able to win 3-2 in the end, with Jude Bellingham once again able to get his name on the scoresheet, but that Kepa mistake could have easily caused them to drop points.
Real Madrid signed the 29-year-old from Chelsea on loan during the summer following a serious injury to first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Robert Sanchez has since replaced his compatriot between the sticks at Stamford Bridge.
Kepa Arrizabalaga struggles in the air
Ancelotti has been very honest about one of his player’s weaknesses.
On Kepa, the Real Madrid manager said: “Each player has his own characteristics. He’s tremendous between the sticks and he made a great save in the first half, but he struggles in the air. Nobody’s perfect. Neither are you. I’m very handsome and I’m not perfect.”
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s big weakness
Kepa has always been vulnerable in the air and it is easy to see why.
The Spain international is only 6 ft 2, which is quite short for a goalkeeper. It is why he has really struggled at times in the Premier League, a division renowned for its physicality.
Considering that, Kepa is probably better suited to La Liga, but there will be times where he fumbles in the air there and in the Champions League, just like yesterday.
However, it may not happen as often as it has in the Premier League, with the English top flight practically unmatched when it comes to physicality.
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