Rio Ferdinand believes Frank Lampard not selecting Kepa Arrizabalaga for Chelsea’s FA Cup final with Arsenal is a clear sign he doesn't fancy the goalkeeper.
Willy Caballero was chosen to start in goal by Lampard against Wolves last week, after the Spanish stopper conceded five at Liverpool the game before.
The 25-year-old was also dropped by Lampard for a spell earlier in the season and has been heavily criticised for errors this season and was once again named on the bench against the Gunners.
And Ferdinand believes the way Lampard has treated the whole situation around Kepa proves he isn’t scared to make big decisions.
“I think it puts a marker down and tells you Frank Lampard is a manager who isn’t scared to make big decisions.
“A £70million goalkeeper, huge money outlay for this goalkeeper and that adds pressure to a manager that you have to play him more or less and Frank has said I don’t care what you say he is not for me.
“That sends an absolute message down to the rest of the squad no matter who you are and what level you think you are, if you don’t do a job on that pitch you will not play.
“Me and my staff will not pick you and we will be looking elsewhere for replacements.
“It is a huge statement and I think it is great from Frank. As a young manager making big decisions, he ain’t scared.”
Before the former Manchester United man added: “He has made his big decisions in terms of recruitment early. Werner, these positions, Ziyech, these positions, this is where I want to improve and gone bang!
“Set his stall out early and for a manager so young into his career I think it bodes well for the future for him.”
