Lampard says criticism on Kepa is a bit unfair

Frank Lampard has jumped in defence of Chelsea star Kepa Arrizabalaga and labelled the criticism on the goalkeeper ‘unfair’.

Frank Lampard has described the recent criticism on Blues goalkeeper Kepa as ‘unfair’.

Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge in 2018, the Spaniard has failed to live up to his price tag as the world’s most expensive goalkeeper.

Kepa has been the subject of high-profile mistakes time after time and has come under intense criticism from the media and even a section of the Blues fans.

This season, the goalkeeper has already been a culprit of two major mistakes in goal. One against Brighton and another against Liverpool which Mane was happy to capitalize on.

Kepa was dropped for Chelsea’s last outing against West Brom and Willy Caballero started in goal. The goal ended in a crazy 3-3 draw with the Blues trailing from behind.

Lampard previously replaced the Spaniard in favour of Caballero for a run of games in February as well. It lasted for their final three games of the 2019/20 season.

Despite all of that, Lampard is sticking with Kepa and has jumped in defence of the 25-year-old amid recent criticism.

“I certainly won’t go to the point of saying he’s played his last game for Chelsea.” the Blues boss said as quoted by Sky Sports.

Lampard on Kepa's future: "I certainly won't go to the point of saying Kepa has played his last game for Chelsea… we have to also understand Kepa is a young man. A lot of the highlight and spotlight on him has become unfair. I have to protect him."
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) September 28, 2020

“I think it’s been a difficult time for Kepa – I know it and he knows it. But we should certainly not jump to that conclusion.

“Also – and I felt quite strongly about this – we should understand that Kepa is a young man. A lot of the spotlight on him I think has become slightly unfair.

“I have to protect him because I know he’s a good lad, playing with absolute professionalism and trying to do the best he can.”

Kepa will need to improve fast or could end up becoming a fringe member of the Blues squad. Asides Caballero, Chelsea also signed goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who could make his debut in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie away to Tottenham.