The Thibaut Courtois-saga dragged on for far too long for most Chelsea fans.
Throughout the summer, Chelsea’s former No.1 was constantly rumoured to be craving a move back to the Spanish capital, and was linked with a move to Real Madrid.
To replace the Belgian, Chelsea were heavily linked with Roma’s Alisson, Stoke City’s Jack Butland and Everton’s Jordan Pickford.
After Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup, Alisson snubbed Chelsea and signed for Liverpool.
But, as the transfer window came to a close and from out of the blue, Maurizio Sarri spent a world-record transfer fee on Athletic Bilbao keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
So having both played four games and having not lost yet, let’s have a look at how the two Premier League new-boys have fared…
When you look at the stats, Alisson clearly has the advantage over Kepa.
The Brazilian has kept one more clean sheet than Kepa – three to two – and has only conceded one goal whereas the Spaniard has conceded three.
Alisson’s save percentage is higher than Kepa’s and also has a higher pass completion than the Chelsea No.1.
However, the stats don’t tell you the whole story.
Whereas both keepers are asked to be comfortable with the ball at their feet, Kepa has looked assured and confident.
In comparison, Alisson cost Liverpool a goal on Saturday, trying to be too clever on the ball and knock it past Kelechi Iheanacho, only to be dispossessed and allow Leicester to get back into the game.
Despite not costing them the game – Liverpool won 2-1 – the same questions from the last few years about the Reds’ goalkeeping situation have arisen.
And although we are still in their formative days in the Premier League, the world-record fee spent on Kepa doesn’t look misplaced.