Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer believes it would be unfair to compare Kepa Arrizabalaga to either Petr Cech or Thibaut Courtois just yet.

Chelsea paid a world record fee for a goalkeeper to sign Kepa from Athletic Bilbao last year and he has been the undisputed number 1 at Stamford Bridge since last season.  

 



The Spaniard has grown into his role at Chelsea and has become a key figure in a defensive group who are still trying to bed in young defenders under Frank Lampard.

Schwarzer feels Kepa has only grown since joining Chelsea, but believes it was always going to be hard for any goalkeeper to follow Cech and Courtois at Stamford Bridge.
 


He has insisted that it would be wrong to compare the Spaniard to the former Chelsea goalkeepers as he feels that Kepa is still a young shot-stopper who needs to learn and develop.



However, the former Blue believes Kepa has the talent to reach that level if he continues to improve and perform at the top.

Schwarzer told The Athletic: “I think Kepa has grown, but it’s a massive step up from Athletic Bilbao.
 

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“There is always that added attention.

"Chelsea over the years have had top, top keepers.

"Following Cech and Courtois is no easy feat for anyone.

“It is hard for anyone to compare with someone like Cech, who won every (club) trophy there is to win.

"We can only really do that with Kepa 10 years down the line.

“With Thibaut, he was there for a shorter amount of time. I was a big fan of his, but longevity is huge so Petr stands alone.

“At 25, Kepa is very young in goalkeeping terms. He has a long way to go.

“He could be there for the next 15 years easily if he stays fit and continues to get better and better.”

Kepa has kept just one clean sheet for Chelsea so far this season.