Those within Chelsea’s close circles feel Kepa Arrizabalaga has improved enough to become Spain’s number one goalkeeper.
This is according to The Guardian, who claim that people stationed at Stamford Bridge have seen plenty of the Spaniard to make such a suggestion.
Kepa’s recent improvement certainly warrants at least a recall to the national team.
Kepa coming for the Spain jersey
In the past month or so, with Edouard Mendy away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, the 27-year-old has acted as an excellent understudy.
He helped Thomas Tuchel’s team reach the Carabao Cup final by beating Tottenham Hotspur twice and ensured their pathway through the FA Cup by denying Plymouth Argyle from the penalty spot.
Had the ‘keeper not pulled off two crucial saves during Wednesday’s Club World Cup semi-final against Al Hilal, Chelsea might not currently be preparing for tomorrow’s showpiece event.
Having impressed so much for his club, the staff working alongside Kepa think a return to international should be on the cards.
His last appearance for Spain can be traced back to July 2020, a friendly fixture versus Portugal.
Luis Enrique hasn’t selected him since, omitting him from last summer’s European Championship squad.
Who is the Spanish number one?
Mendy’s presence as Chelsea’s number one is a huge factor behind such an exclusive role with La Roja.
However, after reclaiming the spotlight, surely Enrique will be considering reintroducing Kepa to the camp.
Although, the competition for Spain’s golden gloves has ramped up quite a lot this season.
David De Gea is certainly in with a shot to start at the World Cup in Qatar, thanks to a dazzling campaign as arguably Manchester United’s best player.
De Gea’s direct opponent, Unai Simon of Athletico Bilbao, has Enrique’s backing.
Simon hasn’t missed an international fixture since last June and looks set to hold down his place, for now.
Yet, if Kepa can keep up this trajectory, the goalie mitts could be passed over before too long.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
