What's everyone's thoughts on his first season at the club? Constructive opposition fans welcome.
Overall I have been very been impressed and think he has done well, and the media seem to think so aswell as their silence says it all (given his price tag they would have killed him if he as much as needed time to settle).
But going through aspects of his game I'll go through what he's really good at and what he needs to improve on and a score out of 10.
Distribution - Although it wouldn't have taken much to have been impressed in that regard given that was the big weakness in both Cech and Courtois I think he's been excellent at it. Alisson and Ederson hog the plaudits in this regard but I think Kepa's up there with both with the ball at his feet, some of the passes he has made under pressure has been sublime. 9/10
Command of his area - improved heavily as the season went on but still a lot of work to do, his judgement of when to come and not needs a lot of work but at the same time there was no serious flappy moments that led to a goal iirc. 6/10.
Shot stopping - in general I've been impressed and he's made some crucial saves at crucial times (especially in the Europa run) but there's one aspect he needs to work on big time and that's long shots, he's been beaten from long range far too many times. Would give 8/10 but the long shots take it down to a 6.
Penalties - I think he's saving 1 in 3 on average so far which is a very good record, he seems to Excel in the areas Tibo and Petr were weak at as aside from Munich and Barca in Cech's case they were both hopeless at saving penalties. 8/10
Mentality - another high score, he's dealt with the pressure of the price tag and not looked phased, and kept the media mob in waiting at bay. 8/10
All in all I think we have a very good keeper.
What's your personal assessment of his first season?
Kepa Arrizabalaga first season review
posted on 3/6/19
I'm no expert when it comes to keepers but he's done about as well as can be expected. That huge price tag might have weighed heavily on other players but it doesn't seem to have affected him at all which is good.
He does need to improve in some areas though. Don't like how he doesn't seem willing to catch anything, preferring to punch the ball. He's still young though, just like De Gea was when he first came to the PL. Plenty of time to improve.
posted on 3/6/19
6/10, good distribution and made decent saves.
Areas to improve:
Learn how to catch the ball from crosses, far too much needless punching for me.
Needs a stronger hand as he's let in a few where he's got a hand on but it's not been strong enough to keep it out.
Command the box better, he's reluctant to come for corners / crosses to relieve pressure for our defence. An area where Courtois was very good.
But I like Kepa's attitude, he's a young man and I can only see him improving. First season in a physical league can be difficult for a new foreign keeper. I'm sure he'll be here for the long term so not bothered about the price tag. He's handled it well, bizarre situation in the league cup final though
posted on 3/6/19
He’s a good ‘keeper, maybe not great but certainly could be great. If anything I think he suffered from fans being very quick to proclaim him as amazing due to dislike of Courtois but think he’s seen more objectively now.
posted on 3/6/19
Gets beaten alot from long range which suggests he is a little flat footed. Decent season but nothing outstanding.
posted on 3/6/19
Ive not seen all his games far from it but i think hes been alright i think 6/10 is correct and fair. I think he has quite a bit to work on but hes very young for a gk and its to be expected. Its a lot of money for a gker especially one so young and relatively inexperienced but hes clearly good enough to play at this level already and should only improve.
posted on 3/6/19
Solid 6/10.
He still doesn't inspire me as one of those keepers who'll make any astounding saves (and I do like my shot stoppers), if the opposition players finish is top quality chances are it'll beat him/definitely not a low block keeper. But his distribution's sound, got elements of good sweeper keeper qualities (comfortable'ish receiving the ball, gets off his line quickly), aerially he's not Cech or Courtois but decent enough, good penalty stopper..... can't complain.
If he wasn't so young I'd say we overpaid not gunna lie, but he seems like a dedicated guy so I have faith he'll get better into his late 20's.
posted on 3/6/19
Yes Devil, I do like his mentality - he looks as if he's proud and pleased to be here, and keen to learn - in contrast to the Courtois attitude. Also that bizarre cup final thing at least shows he's got character too.
Agree with the slightly flat-footed - caught on the wrong foot too many times last season.
But we like him, and expect improvements.
posted on 4/6/19
The cup final debacle aside...which I never even watched in all fairness...he's bee solid, as City & Pool have demonstrated, you absolutely must have a good keeper in your side.
although Utd have one & it hasn't helped them, don't rate Lloris though