Spanish ace explains difference between La Liga and Premier League

Kepa Arrizabalaga reckons the Premier League football might not be as technical as the leagues in some of the other countries, but the speed at which it is played, it makes it very attractive.

Arrizabalaga is in his second season at Chelsea and he has had the opportunity to watch English football from close quarters as he has been a regular first team starter for Chelsea since his arrival in England.

According to the Spaniard, if someone is keeping goals in England, he can’t breathe easy at any stage, not even when the ball is close to the opposition’s final third.

It doesn't take too long for the ball to suddenly get on the other side of the pitch. The counter-attack happens extraordinarily fast and if the goalie doesn’t keep himself prepared to tackle that kind of a scenario all the time, he will be found wanting.

Arrizabalaga reckons the other thing which is slightly different in England as compared to Spain is the tolerance of the referees in terms of allowing the fouls. 

The players get physical and it might seem a foul, but the referee might not rule it that way. The players coming from abroad need to understand it quickly and adapt accordingly, otherwise the opposition might take advantage.

“You need to be stronger in some balls, because the referee doesn’t say it’s a foul.” Arrizabalaga was quoted as saying by chelseafc.com.

“You also need to understand English football is very quick, can have less control or less touches, but more opportunities. The ball can be far away, but in two touches it’s in the box.” Arrizabalaga added.

Arrizabalaga was playing for Athletic Bilbao before he made his way to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2018. He is a product of the Bilbao academy as well, as he spent his youth career there from 2004 to 2012.

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