Suraj Radia
Filip Jorgensen, Chelsea
© IMAGO
The uncertain displays of Robert Sanchez has often left Chelsea frustrated this season but the answer to their goalkeeping issues could have been under Enzo Maresca’s nose all along.
Despite spending more than €1 billion on players in recent years, Chelsea have struggled to find a consistently safe pair of hands in goal and the presence of Sanchez has appeared to be more of a convenient stopgap rather than a belief in the Spaniard’s credentials to be the long-term number one.
Sanchez was signed last summer for €23 million but the former Brighton keeper only made a handful of appearances before then manager Mauricio Pochettino opted to replace him with Dordje Petrovic.
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However, the arrival of Maresca saw Petrovic loaned out and Sanchez selected as Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper but the 27-year-old has already made three errors leading to a goal – the joint-most of any player in the Premier League.
Naturally, Chelsea’s extravagant spending saw the club splash out on another goalkeeper this summer in Filip Jorgensen but the €24.5m arrival has only featured in cup tournaments so far this season.
But the 22-year-old made his strongest claim yet for a Premier League start after a man-of-the-match display in the 2-0 win over Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League, putting Sanchez under pressure to justify Maresca’s faith in him.
Filip Jorgensen had his best display yet for Chelsea against Heidenheim.
© IMAGO - Filip Jorgensen had his best display yet for Chelsea against Heidenheim.
Jorgensen showing Maresca what Chelsea are lacking with Sanchez
Jorgensen had established himself as a raw-yet-promising goalkeeper during his time at Villarreal, particularly with the ball at his feet, which endeared Chelsea to him despite the Dane conceding the third-most goals in La Liga last season.
In his eight games for Chelsea, Jorgensen has kept four clean sheets and conceded seven times, although his appearances have largely come against lower league and inferior opposition.
With Heidenheim battling relegation in the Bundesliga, Chelsea were expected to come out on top and Jorgensen put in his best display yet to ensure there were no issues for the Blues, making 11 saves, completing 100% of his short passes and preventing 2.18 xG.
Jorgensen’s display led to calls from Chelsea fans for him to replace Sanchez in the line-up and, while it’s unlikely Maresca will make any hasty decisions over his goalkeepers, another poor display from the Spain international could prove to be the final straw.