Chelsea is facing a goalkeeper crisis. Having gone through the exit of Thibaut Courtois for Real Madrid in 2018, they have not found an appropriate replacement that could stand on par with Courtois’s consistency. The latest man in this line-up is Robert Sanchez, ex Brighton, and his performance has been quite shy, which as a result has caused several fans to question his position as the first choice of the team. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca believes in Sanchez but voices for a change are getting louder as blunder after blunder mars his performances on the field.
Ongoing Keeper Dilemma For Chelsea
The Blues have tried out pretty much every other alternative to Courtois. Kepa Arrizabalaga was handed over a lot of hype but could never be steady. With a few seasons of going up and down, Kepa was shifted out to Bournemouth for now, while his replacement, Edouard Mendy for the moment, has also been shifted out. Then Chelsea went to Sanchez and had Djordje Petrovic as his backup but seems far from being steady.
Heavy Mistakes By Robert Sanchez
While Sanchez possesses an extremely good save success rate of 76.9%, he has been pulled out for some high-profile mistakes. He has conceded two penalties more than any other Premier League goalkeeper and committed four direct errors that have resulted in opposition goals. His latest mistake against Manchester United was something of a turning point for many fans after Sanchez clumsily fouled Rasmus Højlund, gifting United a penalty. Such moments are very damaging for a team that is desperately seeking to make its way up the league table.
Can Jörgensen Be The New No.1 For Chelsea?
Despite the shakiness from Sanchez, Maresca has refused to change things. He is patting himself on the back for the No. 1 while declaring that Sanchez has the qualities of a top Premier League goalkeeper. Errors by Sanchez are coming back to haunt Chelsea’s young defense which has recorded just two clean sheets this season. Filip Jörgensen, another recent arrival, is a name being touted to replace Sanchez as the fans hope that someone will stead the ship at the back.
Position Of Sanchez Under Threat In Stamford
Maresca has so far stuck with Sanchez, believing that his No. 1 will soon find his rhythm. The more he commits errors, though, the sooner those cries for a change will come – from fans and pundits alike. Chelsea’s defense cannot and should not remain sloppy at the back. Stability at the back can cause further ignition of the squad’s performance in the league. If Sanchez continues to underperform, Maresca will have no choice but to try another route, possibly a solid option in the form of Filip Jörgensen. The stakes were high, and Maresca’s decision would determine the course of the entire Chelsea season.
A Crucial Decision Ahead For Chelsea
The defence was bright against Bournemouth last week, but inconsistency is what undermines this Chelsea defense. Maresca needs to push Chelsea forward, and he will need to ask himself if Sanchez can give his team the base it requires. Another blunder might be all it takes for the coach to consider a switch, and with top-four hopes on the line, Maresca’s patience might run out soon.
Conclusion
With each match, the attention on Robert Sanchez becomes more intense. But Maresca has still defended his goalkeeper till now. But calls for a change are becoming difficult to ignore. Now, for Chelsea to hold up its position in the league, it cannot provide shoddy displays at the back. Sanchez has everything to prove those that have turned against him. But yet another high profile error will most likely make Maresca act. Chelsea needs stability at the back – whether it be Sanchez or Jörgensen, Chelsea now needs people in their back four to achieve their ambitions this season. The decision they make next will be crucial and only time will prove the faith that Maresca has placed in Sanchez.
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