Thomas Tuchel

After two difficult seasons playing deputy to Edouard Mendy at Chelsea, Kepa Arrizabalaga has reasserted himself as the club's number one goalkeeper this ...

There was a setback in October as Kepa was confirmed to be suffering from plantar fasciitis and missed more than a month of action. It is a testament to Kepa's character that he has returned to something akin to his true level. But barring an error against Fulham – and a questionable decision in the defeat to Man City – Kepa has performed well. [Kepa](https://www.football.london/all-about/kepa-arrizabalaga) protection and for two seasons he played deputy to [Edouard Mendy](https://www.football.london/all-about/edouard-mendy). It was a salary no club – understandably given his form – was willing to take on after his demotion under [Frank Lampard](https://www.football.london/all-about/frank-lampard). "Now I have confidence because I’m playing well, so I have to keep going, keep working." The following weekend, the 28-year-old produced a stunning performance to ensure Chelsea defeated Aston Villa 2-0. The turnaround this season is stark, although admittedly over a smaller sample size. [Chelsea](https://www.football.london/all-about/chelsea) paid £71.6million to sign him from Athletic Club, a world-record fee for a goalkeeper. Countless errors had been made, his confidence had been obliterated, and a new goalkeeper was signed to replace him as number one. In that period, Thomas Tuchel was replaced by Graham Potter and Kepa started back-to-backs games against Red Bull Salzburg and Crystal Palace. There were sporadic appearances in the Premier League and outings in domestic cup competitions.