Kepa has struggled for Chelsea this season. Some fans have been unimpressed by a number of his performances, and he was at fault once more in the 3-1 defeat to Everton. Is it time to drop the 25-year-old?
Chelsea were searching for an equalizer in the game at Goodison Park following Mateo Kovacic’s goal, before Kepa’s wayward pass gifted Everton the ball which led to the third goal.
The Spaniard attempted to play the ball to Kurt Zouma, but the pass was poor. It allowed Theo Walcott to nip in and set up the goal that ended Chelsea’s hopes of getting anything from the game.
Kepa has been part of a defense that has conceded 24 goals so far this season in the league, the most of any side in the top 10. His save percentage this season sits below 50%, and it is getting increasingly difficult to defend the goalkeeper.
Whether it is a confidence issue or just a dip in form, being dropped from the starting line-up is beginning to look like a viable option. It may give the Spanish keeper the motivation he needs to get back to his best. However, Lampard must be careful not to further damage his confidence, if that is an issue.
Kepa is undoubtedly a talented goalkeeper. He has the ability to be a sublime shot-stopper and was crucial to what the Blues achieved last season under Maurizio Sarri.
The other goalkeeper options currently available to Lampard are Willy Caballero and 20-year-old Jamie Cumming. The latter has got two clean sheets from four Premier League 2 games, and throwing him into first-team action would certainly be a risk.
Following the removal of the transfer ban, the other option for Chelsea would be to explore other goalkeepers. Kepa will need to prove himself in the coming weeks to make sure he does not lose his spot in the Chelsea side.
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