Chelsea’s attackers have stolen the limelight in the club’s very short pre-season, but goalkeeper Robert Sanchez really impressed against AC Milan over the weekend.
Joao Pedro scored again, while Liam Delap managed to grab a brace, but Sanchez also shone at the back.
The 27-year-old did concede one goal, with Chelsea winning the friendly 4-1. But overall, he had a very solid game.
Earlier in the summer, Chelsea tried to replace Sanchez with Mike Maignan, who lined up against the Blues on Sunday. However, the Club World Cup winners head into the new season with Sanchez as their No.1, and he could play a big role in any success they have.
Robert Sanchez celebrates with supporters during Fluminense FC v Chelsea FC: Semi Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
Robert Sanchez’s distribution could be key for Chelsea
Last term, Sanchez was often criticised for his distribution and the errors he made between the sticks.
The Chelsea Chronicle was at the Chelsea versus Milan game, though, and saw the Spaniard really excel in that area. The numbers also back that up.
According to Sofascore, Sanchez completed four out of the six long balls he attempted and finished the game with an 89% pass completion rate.
Robert Sanchez vs AC Milan Total
Minutes 90
Saves 3
Saves from inside box 2
Accurate passes 16/18 (89%)
Long balls (accurate) 6 (4)
Clearances 2
Aerial duels (won) 1 (1)
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Enzo Maresca is a coach who wants his side to play out from the back and retain possession, while Chelsea have so many dangerous attackers who make great off-the-ball runs.
It means they would really benefit from having a goalkeeper who is a good distributor and confident with the ball at his feet. Sanchez is starting to look like that and could ultimately prove to be the difference between failure and success for Chelsea this season.
Former Blue Tony Cascarino thinks Chelsea can challenge for the title but only if Sanchez does not overplay too much.
Of course, Maresca is going to want the Spaniard to take risks at the back if it means Chelsea keep the ball. But what Sanchez showed on the Stamford Bridge pitch in his last outing is that he can go long and find one of his teammates when doing so.
General view of Stamford Bridge
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Robert Sanchez has seen off Filip Jorgensen competition
At some point, Chelsea may very well replace Sanchez. They have been just as ruthless under Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali as they were under Roman Abramovich — just ask Nicolas Jackson.
However, the Spain international looks to have seen off the threat of Filip Jorgensen. The 23-year-old was not able to take his chance as No.1 last season after Sanchez was dropped and is unlikely to get another.
It has even been claimed that Jorgensen is now thinking about leaving Chelsea. If Sanchez’s performance against Milan becomes a norm in the new Premier League campaign, the former Villarreal man will definitely not get another opportunity if he is still at the club.