KEPA ARRIZBALAGA believes he is finally starting to show Chelsea fans why the club broke a world record to sign him.
The often criticised Blues keeper produced a sensational display in their 2-0 win at Aston Villa yesterday.
Kepa Arrizabalaga looks to have rediscovered his best form under new manager Graham Potter
In his post-match interview, the 28-year-old said: “I’m feeling very well, with confidence, with and without the ball.
“Self-confidence and belief in your work, in what you’re doing, and belief in the process is very important.
“Of course I had really tough moments. I had really good moments, but in the end it’s like life – you have ups and downs and you have to be strong mentally.”
The 11-cap Spain star has failed to live up to expectations since his arrival as a 23-year-old at Stamford Bridge in 2018.
The pressure was on from the start after the Prem giants paid a then world record £71million fee for a goalie, which was also a club record transfer at the time.
He has routinely warmed the bench under previous managers Maurizio Sarri, Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel, with Edouard Mendy preferred to keep goal.
But the Spaniard looks reborn under new gaffer Graham Potter and repaid his faith with a match-winning display at Villa Park.
Stats specialist @OptaJoe underlined how good his performance was in the wake of a win which left the Blues fourth in the Prem.
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He tweeted: “Kepa Arrizabalaga made seven saves while keeping a clean sheet against Aston Villa, his most saves without conceding in his top-flight league career.
“The Spaniard was expected to concede at least two goals based on the placement of the on-target shots he faced. Rejuvenated.”
Potter, who now has five wins and a draw from his first six games as Blues boss, added: “Kepa has played at a fantastic level today.
“He’s made some brilliant saves which kept us in the game and allowed us to win the points, so I’m really pleased with him.”
