The general consensus is that Chelsea are so close to having built a side that is genuinely capable of winning the Premier League, however criticism of one player is starting to become a little tedious.
John Obi Mikel has urged Chelsea to add a goalkeeper to their ranks on multiple occasions, with him clearly not satisfied with the performances of Robert Sanchez in goal.
Jamie Carragher laughed off the theory that the Blues could win the league with Sanchez between the sticks, however the Blues turned down the chance to sign a new shot stopper over the summer.
Mike Maignan was strongly linked with the club before the Club World Cup, however an agreement couldn’t be reached between Chelsea and AC Milan.
Chelsea v Liverpool - Premier League
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Robert Sanchez is becoming underrated at Chelsea
Sanchez went on to win the best goalkeeper award at that competition, something which many saw as a surprise due to their opinions on him.
However, it has to be said that the Spaniard no longer looks a weak link for the Blues, and the stats from the 2025/26 season are actually very impressive.
Sanchez has made zero errors leading to goals this season, a stat which he topped with five throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Robert Sanchez Premier League 25/26 Total
Games 8
Goals Conceded 7
Clean Sheets 3
Saves 15
High Claims 11
Accurate Long Passes 41
Enzo Maresca has felt it necessary to start Sanchez in every single league game this season, leaving Filip Jorgensen having to watch from the sidelines.
The only real negative that can be sent Sanchez’s way is the red card he picked up against Manchester United which cost them the chance at winning at Old Trafford for the first time in over a decade.
However, sending offs have been a theme of the Blues this season outside of Sanchez. Trevoh Chalobah, Joao Pedro, Malo Gusto and even Enzo Maresca have seen red this season.
Robert Sanchez celebrates after Nottingham Forest v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Sanchez’s biggest area of improvement
In the Club World Cup final, Sanchez showcased a variety of impressive long passes that got Chelsea going in attack.
This had not been something which Blues fans had been used to, however has also been on display throughout the 25/26 campaign.
Jason Cundy has highlighted Sanchez’s impressive passing, praising him for his improvements in moving them into attacking transitions at pace.