Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has appeared to win the favor of Spain manager Roberto Moreno after picking the 24-year old over the more established David De Gea.
Having had a fine debut season at Chelsea after signing from Athletic Bilbao last summer, Kepa has now been selected for his national team’s last three games. On Monday, Kepa started the Euro 2020 qualifying match against Sweden and kept a clean sheet while his outfield playing colleagues Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Morata and Mikel Oyarzabal scored three goals to secure the win.
His fine campaign which was highlighted by a very good finish to the season, culminating with De Gea’s struggles at Manchester United led to him getting the nod to play in between the post for the Red Fury. Squawka Football revealed at the end of the Premier League season that De Gea had made four errors leading directly to a goal.
Most errors leading to goals made by goalkeepers in the Premier League in 2018-19:
• Asmir Begovic (5)
• Bernd Leno (5)
• Jordan Pickford (4)
• David de Gea (4)
• Martin Dubravka (3)
• Sergio Rico (3)
• Alisson (3)
• Angus Gunn (3)#AskSquawka @Chris_DeGea97 pic.twitter.com/mZONJYkfPL— Squawka (@Squawka) May 12, 2019
Moreno reveals his choice for Kepa over De Gea is a pure football decision as the Chelsea star has proven over the months that he will help the Spain national team better.
We don’t think the De Gea period with Spain is over. But Kepa had an incredible end of the season – champion of the Europa League with great performances.
In this concrete moment, we thought that Kepa could help us in a better way. The competition is now on. When you have something easy, you get relaxed, and that’s not good. The competitiveness is also good in goal.”
Roberto Moreno, Sun
