Chelsea boss Graham Potter believes Kepa Arrizabalaga‘s transformation should serve as an example to other players who fear their career at the club is at risk.
The 28-year-old became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper when the Blues paid Athletic Club Bilbao £71.4 million in 2018 but he fell out of favour under both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.
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Sources told ESPN in February that Chelsea were ready for the Spain international’s departure but the club is now under new ownership after the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital takeover with Potter also replacing Tuchel as head coach.
Kepa has started all six matches since Potter took charge last month, keeping four clean sheets, and the former Brighton manager said: “He’s a human being, a player, and they want to play, to contribute and he’s doing that.
“It is brilliant for him and I think it is a nice example of everybody that sometimes it doesn’t go your way and you have to suffer in life sometimes.
“Things aren’t ideal or perfect but I must admit I’ve been really impressed with his character, his personality. Very professional. Understand the game really well, takes responsibility so it is nice when those type of people get the rewards which is a reward for their hard work and effort.”
