Former Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović has acknowledged that Kepa Arrizabalaga deserves to maintain his position as first-choice goalkeeper following the Spaniard's heroics in the Blues' 2-0 away win against Aston Villa.
Arrizabalaga won plaudits after he made a string of stunning saves at Villa Park, including a sensational close-range stop to deny Danny Ings.
His selection between the sticks following has surprised many in itself. Following several error-filled displays, the signing of Édouard Mendy had demoted Arrizabalaga to second-choice across the last two years.
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But the appointment of ex-Brighton boss Graham Potter has seen the ball-playing abilities of Arrizabalaga favoured, and Begović, who featured for Chelsea between 2015 and 2017, admitted he has been left impressed with the 28-year-old's displays.
"I think Kepa's been good," Begović told The Byline Podcast. "Matthew Upson was at the stadium (during Chelsea's Champions League win at Stamford Bridge) and he thought Mendy would come back in and said 'absolutely not'.
"I think Kepa has done well. It's five games unbeaten under Graham Potter, he's played all of those and kept a good number of clean sheets. He (Potter) can't change it now.
"Kepa's doing more than enough to stay in the team and get this prolonged run in the side, which is something he's been desperate for. It's his shirt to keep now."
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