Coming into this season, chat about the goalkeeping position was rife amongst Bournemouth fans, who were looking for more security between the sticks.
Brazilian goalkeeper, Neto, has been the Cherries’ number one for the last two campaigns and whilst in his first season he was key in Bournemouth’s fight against relegation, his performances last season left a lot to be desired.
A lack of decisiveness, authority and some unwanted errors were just some of the reasons cited for finding a new ‘keeper to replace Neto.
Bournemouth were linked with a whole host of goalkeeping options in the pre-season and eventually landed themselves former Real Madrid player and Champions League winner, Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea.
Despite the season still ongoing, it is clear that Kepa has added stability and confidence into the Cherries’ defence and is carving himself out to be a key part in the club’s potentially historic campaign.
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Solid shot stopping
A goalkeeper’s primary responsibility is to keep the ball out of the net, and Kepa Arrizabalaga has done exactly that since arriving from Chelsea.
His quality has been evident in every match, with the former Athletic Bilbao man producing outstanding saves to keep Bournemouth in games.
Even without diving into the statistics, his performances have spoken for themselves.
In Bournemouth’s recent game against Wolves, for example, Kepa was a standout performer, making a series of excellent stops to prevent the opposition going further ahead.
His sharp reflexes, intelligent positioning, and quick decision-making were all on display, demonstrating the level of goalkeeper he is and the numbers only reinforce that.
This season, Kepa has a goals-against average of 1.21 per 90 minutes, ranking 6th out of 23 goalkeepers in the Premier League.
Compare this to Neto’s 1.72 goals conceded per 90 minutes last season, which placed him 17th out of 25 goalkeepers—a clear improvement in Bournemouth’s ability to keep the ball out of the net.
His save percentage of 77.2% is even more impressive, making him the best shot-stopper in the Premier League this season for this statistic.
His ability to react quickly and pull off crucial saves has been a game-changer for Bournemouth’s defensive unit.
Clean sheets are another measure of his influence, with Kepa already recording five, just two behind Neto’s total of seven clean sheets from last season, despite still having more than 10 games still to play.
At this rate, he looks well on course to surpass that mark.
Bournemouth’s overall defensive structure has improved under Andoni Iraola but there is no denying that Kepa’s presence in goal has played a significant role.
When called upon, he delivers, proving time and again that he is a top player.
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Experience amongst a young defence
One of the most valuable traits in a goalkeeper is the ability to command their box with confidence, instilling trust in the defenders in front of them and Kepa has done exactly that.
But this quality is even more crucial given the youthful nature of Bournemouth’s defence.
With Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi, and Dean Huijsen all under the age of 23, having an experienced, vocal, and composed presence behind them is a game-changer.
Kepa’s ability to communicate, read the game, and organise his defenders has contributed massively to Bournemouth’s defensive solidity.
The Cherries have conceded just 30 goals this season, making them the third-best defensive unit in the Premier League—only Arsenal and Liverpool conceding fewer.
And the numbers only reinforce what is already clear on the pitch.
When it comes to defensive actions outside the box per 90 minutes—aspects like rushing out to balls—Kepa ranks among the best in the league with 1.84 actions per game.
By comparison, Neto last season registered just 1.06 actions per 90, placing him towards the lower end of goalkeepers for this metric, highlighting Kepa's superior alertness, positioning, and ability to read the game.
Another area where Kepa has excelled is “sweeped clearances”.
Kepa has already recorded 13 clearances this season, closing in on Neto’s total of 16 from the entire 2022/23 campaign, showing excellent positioning and anticipation once again.
His command of set pieces has also been a noticeable upgrade.
Whether punching or claiming the ball, Kepa’s proactive approach has mitigated a previous weakness in Bournemouth’s defensive setup, as Neto was often criticised for being hesitant in these situations.
For a squad brimming with young defensive talent, having leaders with experience and composure is essential for balance.
Kepa provides exactly that, and his influence cannot be overstated.
Not only does he possess elite shot-stopping ability, but he also enhances the cohesion, structure, and confidence within the entire team and that is not to mention a consistent distribution ability to his fellow Bournemouth players.
His impact has been immense, and he undoubtedly deserves the recognition he is receiving.
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A look to the future
Given Kepa Arrizabalaga’s outstanding performances this season, Bournemouth fans would love nothing more than to see the Basque goalkeeper sign permanently.
His composure, reflexes, and leadership have made him an invaluable asset, and securing his services beyond this season would be a dream scenario.
However, the reality is far more complicated and factors such as wages, Chelsea’s plans, and Kepa’s own ambitions make a permanent move highly unlikely—unless another loan deal can be negotiated.
Chelsea, however, continue to struggle with their goalkeeping situation, and arguably have their best-performing keeper away from the club, so with Kepa returning to Stamford Bridge in the summer, he may feel entitled to reclaim the number one jersey.
For Bournemouth, this season has highlighted the importance of a top-quality goalkeeper.
If Kepa does not return, the club will need to explore alternatives in the transfer market.
Regardless of who is between the sticks next season, one thing is clear—having a reliable shot-stopper can define a campaign and aid success.
For now, Bournemouth fans should simply enjoy the sense of security Kepa provides at the back.
If he continues his excellent form, he will be a key figure in helping the club achieve an historic Premier League finish and potentially a European place—a fitting reward for both his and his teammates' efforts this season.
