Going into their Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, there was a lot of talk about Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation.
Filip Jorgensen made a very bad mistake in the first leg, which is why Chelsea were in such an unfavourable position heading into their game at Stamford Bridge.
Before that, Robert Sanchez was not strong enough in goal against Arsenal. Despite all of that, though, goalkeeper is not the Blues’ biggest problem.
Do you think Chelsea should sack Liam Rosenior? Or are you willing to give him more time?🤔
Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea’s biggest issue is central defence
Sanchez has been pretty consistent this season. He had not done too much wrong before his performance at the Emirates. The issue that Chelsea actually have is what is in front of him.
They possess some young and talented centre-backs with a lot of potential, but that is just it. They are inexperienced footballers who are far from being the finished article, with Mamadou Sarr being the perfect example.
The kind of mistake that the 19-year-old made so early on in the game was not the type of error that a Thiago Silva or John Terry would have made. He looked so nervous and was all over the place.
Paris Saint-Germain's Georgian forward #07 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fights for the ball with Chelsea's defender #19 Mamadou Sarr
Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images
Sarr did not have the know-how to stop Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, nor the experience to handle such a big European game.
Despite Sarr’s miserable outing against PSG, the Senegal international can still come good at Chelsea, as can the likes of Jorrel Hato and Josh Acheampong. But it is quite clear that the trio and the rest of the team could benefit from having world-class, ready-made central defender in the side.
One central defender Chelsea should sign this summer
So, which central defender on the market fits the profile that Chelsea need? Former Blue Antonio Rudiger instantly comes to mind.
Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid
Photo by Dennis Agyeman / Europa Press Sports via Getty Images
Rudiger is set to become a free agent in the summer and ticks all of the boxes. He is a 33-year-old Germany international who has played for Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter Milan.
Rudiger is no novice and has lots of good qualities. He is fast, physical and can tackle. Even if it is just for a season or two, Chelsea should snap up their former player.
Sarr struggles within minutes…
FBL-EUR-C1-CHELSEA-PSG
Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images
Did Rosenior make a mistake? Handing out a first Champions League start in THIS scenario…
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is another good option and could also be available on a free transfer, though it is unlikely that a move to Stamford Bridge will appeal to him.
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