BRAD FRIEDEL has tipped Chelsea to replace Kepa in the transfer market after the emotional scarring of his axing.
The world’s most expensive keeper, 25, was left stunned after Frank Lampard dropped him at Leicester last weekend following a poor first half to the season.
Friedel, 48, who holds the record for the most Premier League appearances for a stopper, said: “Kepa seems to have a lot of talent, but you never know how people are going to react to adversity.
“That’s the big thing, every keeper at a club from first choice, second and third all have talent.
“But what separates them is the mentality, and how you deal with adversity. Maybe it has taken its toll with him.”
Experienced Willy Caballero, 38, stepped in for £72million Kepa at Leicester but the Blues have already been linked with a number of replacements including Burnley’s Nick Pope and Crystal Palace ave Vicente Guaita.
Blackburn legend Friedel, who also starred for Aston Villa and Tottenham, is confident Chelsea will now look to find a long-term solution to the goalkeeping slot.
But he has urged Kepa – whose poor performances are reportedly due to a split from his childhood sweetheart – to show some fight to win back his No1 spot.
The American, speaking to Bonuscodebets, said: “I’m sure the club will obviously try to look elsewhere and build their squad with another keeper.
“That doesn’t mean there won’t be opportunities for him, he may have to stay and fight for his place. The hard thing with a goalkeeper is that there’s only one that plays.”
Lampard defended his decision to drop Kepa against Leicester after keeping just five Prem clean sheets all season.
The Blues boss said: “You make decisions every week and every day in this job. No decision is easy.
“When it comes to a goalkeeper, you probably do give it a little bit more thought and a bit more time, especially if someone seems to be the designated number one.
“That can’t be the end of the story. We have to be competitive. Willy trains well, he acts well and he played well against Hull last week. I decided to stick with him.”
