Frank Lampard issues Kepa Arrizabalaga a challenge
According to the Standard, Frank Lampard has put forward a challenge for under-fire goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Chelsea boss has asked the Spaniard to strive in order to join the list of great Chelsea goalkeepers. Kepa watched on from the sidelines last Sunday as Chelsea defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup semifinals.
“We are fortunate at Chelsea that we have had [goalkeepers] that we can say were part of huge eras for the club.”
Brought in as the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, Kepa has failed to justify that price tag. He is yet to fully convince Lampard since he took over last summer.
This has seen Lampard use Willy Caballero to replace Kepa in goal earlier this season. The Spaniard regained his spot after a spate of impressive performances. But his knack of making errors has seen his future at the club remain in doubt.
“That has to be Kepa’s desire, to be that person for this club and to say he is a huge part of a successful team.”
Lampard also went on to add what he believes makes a world-class keeper. The Blues boss acknowledges that the primary job of a shot-stopper is to keep the ball out but has also advocated other traits needed in the modern game.
Apart from the right personality, the ability to play from the back has become a pre-requisite in today’s game.
“In the modern day they are encouraged more than ever to use their feet, to be a personality, to be an all-round goalkeeper which is what you see from top-level goalkeepers.”
More Chelsea News
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- Lampard reveals he advised Mount to alter his shooting style
- Chelsea to bring in new goalkeeper irrespective of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s fate
Wednesday night at Anfield will see two of the most expensive goalkeepers in the world face off. Liverpool’s Alisson Becker has so far fared much better than his Chelsea counterpart.
There is no reason why Kepa cannot turn his fortunes around. He can start off at Anfield by reminding everyone why the Blues paid the big bucks to sign him.
