Lampard Lauds Kepa Performance But Critics See Compliment Differently

KEY POINTS

Critics feel Lampard praise on Kepa not sincere
Kepa could still be dealt out by Chelsea
Neville not buying Lampard praise for Kepa

Chelsea FC remains on the prowl for a goalkeeper but it appears Frank Lampard is content with the efforts of Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, it is no assurance on whether the Blues will make changes moving forward.

Kepa returned for the 19^th time but conceded a goal to Brighton. The Blues won, 3-1, on Monday but Kepa gave up a goal to Leandro Trossard in the early stages. Chelsea managed to pad their lead for the rest of the way but the lone goal did not escape the eyes of critics.

Regardless, Lampard was content with Kepa’s showing and says his confidence in the world’s most expensive goalkeeper remains. However, questions remain unanswered on whether the Blues will continue their search for a goalkeeper who can improve the Blues’ defensive end.

"I am happy with Kepa, I saw confidence in him," Lampard said to Sky Sports. "He is here, he is our 'keeper and I am happy with him."

However, not all were content with the performance of the Spanish goalie. Gary Neville is not buying the backing of Lampard and says that all of this was done because a coach needs to back his goalkeeper.

"He conceded so many goals from outside the box last season, he's conceded another one tonight and it will cost you. If you don't have a top goalkeeper, you won't win that league,” Neville said. "At this moment in time, he makes far too many mistakes. He lets too many goals into the back of his net that should be saved.”

Chelsea has been linked to several goalkeepers, particularly Jan Oblak and Edouard Mendy. The latter looms as a plausible target, someone who costs cheaper. If the Blues ever find a way to get one of them, the future of Kepa and even Willy Caballero raises new questions. Will someone be sent out on loan or sold?

Other than Kepa, Lampard praised Reece James who restored the lead to the Blues. He admits that James’ goal got him off his seat, something they needed badly.

"Reece has got that in him, he is a player of such quality. You try and get him in areas where he can be a threat,” Lampard said.