Darren Bent suggests that Kepa Arrizabalaga has done enough to be viewed as the number one goalkeeper at Chelsea right now.
One of the biggest changes for the Blues since Graham Potter took charge as manager last month has been in-between the sticks.
Edouard Mendy, who’s been the clear first-choice keeper for the past couple of years, hasn’t actually played a minute since the change of management. The 30-year-old was missing at the start through injury, but he’s been sat on the bench in recent games biding his time.
Meanwhile, Kepa has started all six games under Potter and has been earning widespread praise for his performances.
The 28-year-old was labelled “magnificent” by Aston Villa’s Danny Ings after his display against him on the weekend.
Kepa the number one
TalkSPORT pundit Bent thinks that Kepa belongs in Chelsea’s best team right now as the starting keeper.
“He’s had a run of games in the team… He’s been playing really well. It’s about him getting up to speed,” Bent told talkSPORT.
“Fair play to him because he’s had a lot to deal with since he’s been at Chelsea.
“He seems to have got his confidence back.
“It looks like Graham Potter has gone in and said, ‘I’m going to give you an opportunity. It’s up to you to take it’. He’s done that. For me, you would have to say he is Chelsea’s number one without a shadow of a doubt.”
Potter is showing a lot of flexibility and trust in his squad by rotating his line-up each game, but there does have to be some consistency.
As it stands, Kepa and Mason Mount are the only two in the Blues squad to start all six of Potter’s matches.
The hectic fixture load this month is forcing Potter’s hand somewhat in his team selection. He needs to stick with Kepa in the team to see if he can keep riding this wave of momentum, though.
Chelsea’s two high-profile keepers have switched roles now to mean Mendy is putting pressure on Kepa, which can only be a good thing for the standards in training.
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