Polluted by injuries, the start of the Real Madrid season was marked by a big blow with the rupture of Thibaut Courtois’ cruciate ligament. Deprived for the season or almost of its Belgian goalkeeper, the Merengue club therefore accelerated during the transfer window and it was finally Kepa Arrizabalaga (29 years old) who packed his bags from Chelsea. Big fan of Iker Casillas and wanting to relaunch his career, the Basque goalkeeper held his position rather well. With 13 matches already under his belt, he already has 6 clean sheets and only 10 goals conceded with Casa Blanca. Solid and reassuring, it delivers a completely correct assessment.
“I would describe my two months here as very positive. As a team, we are in a good dynamic. We have started the season well, even if it is long and we must continue. We’re on the right track, we’re taking action, and we’re feeling better. The season is long and grades are given at the end. I said it the day of the presentation and I’m still thinking about it, but we’re not at the moment to negotiate my contract. It’s October and in the middle of many games. Now the focus is on every match and every training session.he confided last month to A.S.. Playing two matches since then, notably the Clasico won against FC Barcelona (2-1), he was the victim of a torn abductor muscle. An injury which has reignited debates about it.
Carlo Ancelotti has decided!
If the performances of Kepa Arrizabalaga are not called into question, it is those of the one who replaced him, namely Andriy Lunin, who were praised. Taking over at short notice, notably against Braga in the Champions League (3-0), the 24-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper particularly shone by repelling a penalty. Then starting against Valencia (5-1) and Cadiz (3-0), he again made solid interventions and brought a lot of satisfaction. This season, he has played 5 games for 3 clean sheets and only 2 goals conceded. Solid figures for the native of Krasnogard, who is also reaching the end of his contract at the end of the season. His partner recently mentioned a possible departure given the little playing time he has. His latest performances have at least had the merit of reviving the debate on the position of number one at Casa Blanca.
Confident in his qualities, Andriy Lunin wants to overthrow the hierarchy. “He works hard to be number one in the best team in the world, Real Madrid. He is striving to make this season better than the last.”relatives of the Ukrainian declared to A.S.. However, Andriy Lunin’s good dynamic may not be enough. If Andriy Lunin should play on Wednesday against Napoli, Kepa Arrizabalaga has a good chance of playing the next day of La Liga. Information that came directly from the mouth of Casa Blanca coach, Carlo Ancelotti: “the important thing is that Lunin was ready when Kepa was injured and he performed well. But I think Kepa will come back for the match against Granada and if he is ready for this match, Kepa will play. Wishing the Ukrainian to leave this summer, Carlo Ancelotti has not really changed his position even if he remains happy to have been able to rely on his interim in goal. If the Spanish press is open to debate, this does not seem to be the case for the man nicknamed Don Carlo…
