Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has made a decisive move by selecting Robert Sanchez as the first-choice goalkeeper. Purchased last season for £25m, Sanchez is set to play a pivotal role in Chelsea's future games.
Maresca aims to build a team that excels in possession-based football. In his system, passing is paramount. For effective passing and distribution of the ball, he requires a goalkeeper who exudes confidence with his passing abilities.
Leicester City squad under Maresca's guidance dominated the Championship and secured promotion back to the English Premier League (EPL). The Foxes' style of play was reminiscent of Pep Guardiola’s fluid football approach. Sanchez started several games as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper last season but was sidelined due to injuries. Dorde Petrovic stepped up and filled this position during most of the 2023-2024 season.
Robert Sanchez yet to prove himself
Sanchez's debut season at Chelsea was marked by both highs and lows. A notable incident occurred during Arsenal match at Stamford Bridge when an error from Sanchez led to Chelsea drawing the match they were initially winning.
Such mistakes are costly in EPL where world-class players can capitalize on even minor errors. To be considered among top-tier goalkeepers, it is crucial for Sanchez to avoid these types of blunders.
However, there were instances where he emerged as Chelsea’s savior with heroic saves that led them to victory. During periods when team morale was low, it was often Sanchez who stood firm making consecutive saves protecting Chelsea’s net. This type of mentality will be vital for boosting overall team performance next season.
Chelsea under Enzo Maresca
Last season saw Chelsea finish 6th in EPL under Mauricio Pochettino who managed to shape a standard team from the existing squad. As the 2023-2024 season concluded, Chelsea's performance showed significant improvement.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Maresca’s Chelsea team as he is known for his innovative approach. Having worked under legendary managers like Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, Maresca combines their strategies with his unique ideas, making him an exceptional coach. However, it is clear that Maresca's system requires a goalkeeper with excellent ball distribution skills. According to reports, Robert Sanchez fits this role perfectly and has been chosen by Enzo Maresca as his first-choice goalkeeper.
Robert Sanchez's selection as the first-choice goalkeeper marks a new chapter in Chelsea's journey under Enzo Maresca. With high expectations from fans and management alike, only time will tell if this decision will lead to success on the pitch.
