Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has suggested that one Chelsea star’s career at Stamford Bridge is over following the appointment of Xabi Alonso.
Some Chelsea players look like they want to leave the club, namely Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella.
Others, however, could be forced out as the Blues prepare for a revamp after finishing the season in 10th.
Who is to blame for our shambolic defence this season? 😡
No clean sheet in our final game vs Sunderland 🤦♂️
Chelsea's clean sheets record this season
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Paul Scholes doesn’t think Robert Sanchez can play under Xabi Alonso
One player who may have to leave is Robert Sanchez, with Scholes convinced that he does not suit Alonso’s style.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football, the retired midfielder said: “With the way Chelsea will play, I agree. He can’t do it. I’m pretty sure Xabi Alonso will want to play that way, to build out from the back, so he will need a new goalkeeper then.”
There seems to be a genuine possibility of Chelsea signing a new goalkeeper this summer, which could indeed spell the end for Sanchez at Stamford Bridge.
Robert Sanchez of Chelsea FC
Photo by Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
It is thought that Chelsea are looking at six shot-stoppers as they consider strengthening between the sticks.
Sanchez has been a regular for the Club World Cup holders this season, making 35 starts in the Premier League. However, he could now be about to lose his status as the team’s No.1.
Robert Sanchez’s passing stats this season
Sanchez did make a few mistakes this term but not as many as he did in the previous campaign. His distribution has actually not been that bad.
According to FotMob, Sanchez has a pass success rate of 66.7%, while he has completed 32.1% of the long balls he has attempted.
To put those numbers into perspective, Arsenal’s David Raya, who has easily been the best goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, has a pass success rate of 64.8% and a long ball success rate of 34.2%.
There is no denying, though, that Sanchez is simply not consistent enough. Chelsea need a reliable No.1 if they want to challenge Arsenal and Raya in the future, and Sanchez is yet to show that he is that after three years at the club.
Scholes is right. It really could be game over for the Spain international in west London.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox