Kepa Arrizabalaga’s recent performance in Real Madrid’s goal raises concerns in Spain. As the number 1 goalkeeper ahead of Andriy Lunin, the Spanish player has lost a lot of credibility in recent weeks, prompting Ancelotti to reconsider his plans.
Arriving on loan from Chelsea at the start of the season to cover Thibaut Courtois’ serious injury, the 29-year-old Spanish goalkeeper doesn’t seem to be convincing permanently at Real Madrid. Played on Wednesday for the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid, Kepa Arrizabalaga didn’t shine despite the 5-3 victory, making a monumental blunder that could have cost qualification.
Figures Against Kepa
Not very reassuring in his exits and not necessarily imperial on his line, the goalkeeper under contract with Chelsea, transferred for 80 million euros, is at the center of discussions in Spain. “Kepa Arrizabalaga must go to the bench,” can be heard or read in the Iberian media, supporting their claims with figures (reported by 90 min) favoring Lunin.
Having made several mistakes since arriving at Real Madrid, Kepa now has a record of 16 goals conceded in 17 matches, a worrying statistic for the Madrid club, which defends well despite the absence of key players like Eder Militiao and David Alaba. His performance contrasts sharply with that of Andriy Lunin, who has conceded only six goals in ten matches.
This disparity highlights Kepa’s difficulties in replacing Courtois, injured since the start of the season and preparing to return. While Carlo Ancelotti had initially stated that there would be no debate about the goalkeeper position with Andriy Lunin as the second goalkeeper at Real Madrid, things have changed with a recent turnover between the two goalkeepers in recent weeks.
Lunin, the new number 1?
According to Marca, a new hierarchy has been established in the goalkeeper position. Ancelotti has decided to start, barring any last-minute issues, Andriy Lunin (24 years old) in the goals for Liga and Champions League matches, while Kepa will have the opportunity to shine in cup matches. Despite his blunder in the semi-final, Arrizabalaga will start in the final of the Copa del Rey next Sunday (against the winner of Barça – Osasuna), according to Marca.
After Wednesday’s match, Ancelotti did not clearly reveal who would be in goal next Sunday, refusing to criticize the goalkeeper loaned by Chelsea. “Kepa’s performance was good. On the third goal, Morata’s jump may have bothered him, but on the first two, he couldn’t do much. For the final, we will decide who will start the match between him and Lunin,” said Ancelotti to the press.
The wife of the young Ukrainian goalkeeper believes there is injustice among the goalkeepers at Real Madrid. Close to leaving last summer, Lunin’s wife warns that if things do not change in favor of her husband, who has been delivering excellent performances lately, they might consider leaving. “If we don’t find our place in Madrid, we will look elsewhere, there will be suitors,” she wrote on Instagram.
Do you think Kepa should no longer guard the goal for Real Madrid?
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