Rudiger impressed with new Chelsea keeper Kepa

Chelsea’s new record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga impressed team-mate Antonio Rudiger in their opening-day Premier League win at Huddersfield.

Kepa, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper after his £72.1m move from Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, had little to do on his debut as Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 victory in Maurizio Sarri’s first game in charge.

But German defender Rudiger was pleased the Spaniard’s first appearance passed without incident following Thibault Courtois’ controversial departure.

“I think he did well,” Rudiger said. “He tried to speak as much as he can. He did well with that and we as defenders we needed to help him and we did that.

“In general, it was a very good day. We all know Thibault’s quality, but Thibault’s not a Chelsea player anymore.

“I wish him good luck at Real Madrid, but now we have to concentrate on Kepa because he’s our goalkeeper. In his work he’s very confident.”

Chelsea were found wanting in last week’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City, but proved too good for Huddersfield despite leaving World Cup stars Eden Hazard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Olivier Giroud on the bench.

“We’re happy because to be honest our pre-season games were not that good,” Rudiger said. “Now we can be more happy because we won the game. Three goals and a clean sheet. That’s good for us.

“It’s not always easy to adapt because it’s a new style of play, but I think we did well. We moved the ball well and to have a good bench is always good.”