If anybody knows how Kepa Arrizabalaga is feeling right now it is David de Gea.
De Gea’s penalty shootout nightmare against Villarreal went about as worse as it could have gone, with the goalkeeper conceded 11 penalties and seeing his own effort saved.
Shootouts are often a chance for goalkeepers to becomes heroes and for outfield players to become villains, but in Gdansk, De Gea became the fall guy.
At the weekend Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga somehow managed to go one worse.
He was brought off the bench to replace Edouard Mendy for the Carabao Cup penalty shootout in a bold call from Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, which backfired.
Kepa conceded all 11 spot kicks and then ballooned his effort over the bar. At least De Gea got his on target.
After the game Kepa took to Instagram to express his disappointment, writing: “To fall and rise. Disappointed after big effort during the tournament. We keep working. Thanks @chelseafc family for your support.”
David de Gea showed his support for his Spain international colleague by joining the goalkeeper’s Chelsea teammates and ex-teammates by ‘liking’ his post.
While the pair have been rivals for the Spain international shirt in recent seasons, currently both are behind Unai Simon in the pecking order, and the La Roja colleagues are close off the pitch.
Kepa told Talksport in 2019: “My relationship with De Gea is very good, we have worked well together. In addition to competing, we often talk on the phone. We have a fluid relationship.”
No doubt beyond his simple ‘like’, De Gea has been in touch privately to commiserate. If anybody in the world knows how he is feeling right now, the Manchester United goalkeeper does.
De Gea had all summer to stew on his misfortune, which may have helped to clear his mind. De Gea has since come back better than ever and is in contention for United’s players of the season award this year.
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