Kepa's incredible stats since ousting Mendy as Chelsea goalkeeper seals redemption

The Spaniard became a world record signing when Chelsea paid £71.6million to prise him away from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.

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It has been a topsy-turvy time for Kepa in the Blues goal and has often been a source of frustration for fans.

He memorably refused to be substituted in the 2019 League Cup final when Maurizio Sarri wanted to bring on Willy Caballero for the penalty shoot out, which they then lost.

The 28-year-old was even benched for the veteran goalkeeper under Frank Lampard before Edouard Mendy was signed.

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Mendy brought in in September 2020 and has been the unquestionable No.1, helping them win the Champions League in his first season.

Kepa has played 36 times since the start of the 2020/21 season, while Mendy has played 99 times.

Chelsea were more than willing to cut their losses on the Spaniard and it looked as though he would leave in the summer, however nothing materialised.

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"He tried and checked his options, which we were aware of," said then Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. "They were not satisfying for him or for us so he stayed."

This season it has all changed for Kepa, though, with Mendy making a catalogue of mistakes that cost him his place.

Now new manager Graham Potter has made the Spaniard his trusty No.1 and has been brilliant in the last three Premier League games.

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In those three games, he has only conceded one goal and has made an average of 3.7 saves per game, with a save percentage of 91.7.

Opta Stats show he has prevented 3.2 goals, more than any other goalkeeper even though he has played fewer games.

Mendy conceded nine goals in six games, only saved 66.7 per cent of the shots he faced, and his goals prevented statistic was -0.3.

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Against Aston Villa, Kepa made an incredible seven saves while keeping a clean sheet and received huge praise.

Potter said: "Really pleased for him because we needed him today. Aston Villa made us suffer in the second period of the first half especially.

"Some fantastic saves, of course that's what he's there for, but we needed him."

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The Spaniard himself admitted confidence was high and he was now enjoying his time at Chelsea.

He 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, stick with your ideas and keep working. Now I am enjoying all the work."

Kepa has not been the most popular of Chelsea players in recent seasons, but he is more than earning back their support and respect.

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Former Charlton and Tottenham striker Darren Bent gave him huge credit for his turnaround.

Bent told talkSPORT: "He's had a run of games in the team. I think it's seven on the bounce now where he's played 90 minutes.

"He first played against Zagreb, then Mendy got injured and he got his opportunity and been playing really well.

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"It's about him getting up to speed. Fair play to him because he's had a lot to deal with since being at Chelsea. The price tag and then whole situation in the Carabao Cup final where he wouldn't come off."