Robert Sanchez was recently asked about the toughest opponent he has faced in his career, and picked a man who has been a thorn in Chelsea’s side for years.
Last season, the Chelsea keeper was under the spotlight after a string of calamities.
Chelsea were expected to sell Sanchez in the summer as a result, but a Club World Cup resurgence from the Spaniard would change the perspective. Sanchez had his best performance for Chelsea in the final, making it clear that he would not be leaving without a fight.
That strong form has continued this season — barring the red card against Man United — and Sanchez looks set to stay.
But one player has got the better of him more often than not.
Erling Haaland playing for Man City
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Robert Sanchez names Erling Haaland as his toughest opponent
Erling Haaland is every goalkeeper’s worst nightmare, and Sanchez is no different.
Sanchez has faced the Norwegian on three occasions for Chelsea, and has conceded four goals. A brace in 23/24, and a goal in each of last season’s meetings in the Premier League.
Featuring on the latest episode of Chelsea Unlocked, Sanchez kept it short, saying: “Erling, he’s just an animal, it’s crazy.”
Haaland is reaching new levels this season for club and country, and goalkeepers and defenders alike will understand the Chelsea keeper’s answer.
The Blues travel to the Etihad at the turn of the year. Sanchez will be hoping to have a full-strength back line for that one, and even then, it might not be enough to stop the City striker.
Haaland has never lost to Chelsea
It’s quite a while since Chelsea got one over on Man City.
In fact, the last time they did so was in 2021 — the Champions League final.
Maybe you could say it’s a good trade-off, but the reality is that Maresca and the players will be desperate to break that 11-game winless streak.
The 4th of January and the 26th of April will be circled with a red marker at Cobham. Haaland has looked exceptional this season, it’s true, but this Chelsea side is the same one that beat the European champions 3-0 just four months ago.
A win at the Etihad would be a fine way to cap off what is hopefully a fruitful Christmas for the Blues.