KEPA ARRIZABALAGA is taking a leaf out of David De Gea’s book as he tries to come to terms with the Premier League.
The Chelsea keeper, 25, dropped his latest clanger in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool — but was backed publicly by boss Frank Lampard.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is hoping to emulate David De Gea and bounce back from his rocky start to Premier League lifeCredit: EPA
And £71.6million Kepa is determined to fight on, having seen how fellow Spanish stopper De Gea, who Manchester United signed from Atletico Madrid for £17.8m in 2011, took more than a year to settle in.
A source told SunSport: “Remember De Gea? It took him a while to settle in and to adapt to English football.
“Look at him now. Let’s be patient. Everyone is focusing on Kepa and he is eager to do well.
“He wants to prove to everybody why Chelsea paid so much for him.
“The summer was difficult because of rumours, but he has Lampard’s backing and this has meant a lot.”
Chelsea are poised to complete a deal for Rennes keeper Edouard Mendy, 28, to crank up the pressure on Kepa — but for now Lampard is behind his man.
Kepa’s sloppy clearance fell straight to Sadio Mane on Sunday, gifting the Liverpool forward a second goal.
Lampard said: “It was a mistake but it’s my job to give him confidence.”
Arrizabalaga gifted Sadio Mane his second goal of the game at Stamford Bridge on SundayCredit: AFP or llicensors AFP or Licensors
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Kepa — now in his third season at Chelsea — is the world’s costliest keeper, while De Gea, 29, has become one of the best despite errors early on at United.
De Gea made another blunder in the FA Cup semi-final in July, which helped Chelsea to victory.
The source added: “Kepa knows he made a mistake and is sorry about it. His confidence levels are not at their best but he is determined to improve.
“But this is one of the first times the boss has backed him and it really helps.”
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy having medical at Chelsea with Kepa replacement on verge of transfer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
