Chelsea: 3 things Jan Oblak would give that Kepa doesn’t

Kepa has been under Chelsea fans’ radar for his shot-stopping, recently.

Currently occupying the third spot in the Premier League, Frank Lampard faces a nervous end to this campaign as Chelsea have their Champions League fate in their own hands with Manchester United, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers breathing down the Blues’ necks.

Despite showing the flashes of brilliance throughout the season, Chelsea have lost out on some crucial points throughout the season, thus, failing to stake their claim on a top-four slot. There are some glaring differences which are becoming more telling with every passing fixture.

Lampard, despite imparting an attacking flavour to the Blues, has found it tough to drill his side to maintain a defensive shape- crucial in providing a platform to sustain forward-minded football.

Starting from the goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga has caught the eyeballs after a string of questionable outings between the sticks for Chelsea. Thus far, it’s fair to say that the Spain international has not justified his price tag.

With just seven clean sheets in the league till now, Frank Lampard is keen to reshuffle his defence and the goalkeeper. Previously, Andre Onana was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge from Ajax this summer.

But sensational news emerging from the Mirror suggest in a different direction, linking Chelsea with a move for Atletico Madrid keeper, Jan Oblak. The London club are said to offer Kepa as a potential makeweight to reduce the asking price.

Given the immense appeal of Oblak, let’s see three things which the Slovenia international adds to the Chelsea ranks.

#1 A sense of calm

Jan Oblak has been a daunting figure in Atletico Madrid’s defence, since his move from Benfica in 2014. The Slovenian has terrific stats to back his performance over the years. This season, the 27-year-old has conceded 0.73 goals per 90 minutes in the league, which is significantly low against Kepa’ 1.35 goals.

The addition of Oblak could provide a major boost to Chelsea’s defence as the Slovenia international cuts a composed figure and is equally capable of pulling off fantastic saves to deny the opposition.

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#2 Excellent in organising defences

It’s not possible for a goalkeeper to pull off incredible saves in every instance to rescue his side, but a good shot-stopper has a very essential trait of being vociferous to his teammates so that a solid defensive shape is maintained.

During his fantastic spell with the Rojiblancos, Oblak has been comfortable in bellowing instructions to most accomplished of defenders in Diego Godin and Jose Maria Jimenez. An expert shot-stopper, invariably, has a good communication skill up his sleeve and the Atleti man has further proved it.

On various occasions, Kepa has proved to be a demanding figure too but a lack of authority in the goalkeeping job has often proved to be a sticking point. If Chelsea manage to sign Oblak, it would be one of the stories of European football this summer.

#1 A world-class presence with a humble attitude

Notwithstanding a sublime spell with Atletico Madrid, Jan Oblak cuts a grounded figure, when strouted shoulders and a lordly demeanour would easily have taken over. Instead, the Slovenian remains connected to his humble beginnings.

It seems to be a dying breed where the player just performs his job and trains extraordinarily to enhance his performance levels. Probably, Diego Simeone’s hardworking and family culture has helped his players in remaining true to themselves.

On the other hand, Kepa, after a bright start to his Chelsea career, garnered headlines when he refused to leave the pitch for fellow keeper Willy Caballero on his then coach Maurizio Sarri’s orders.

Since the fiasco, Kepa has been constantly watched through a prism of intense scrutiny and analysis. After that incident in the League Cup final, Spain international has failed to earn the trust of the Chelsea faithful.

Also, should Oblak arrive at Stamford Bridge, it is for certain that Chelsea fans could have a new goalkeeping hero to admire since the days of legendary Peter Cech.

Do you think Kepa will leave Chelsea this summer?