Darren Bent has admitted that Chelsea’s first-team player is beginning to win him over with his performances.
In fairness, Chelsea have received plenty of criticism from all areas for their journey under the current ownership. However, they really turned a corner last season, winning two trophies and finishing fourth in the Premier League.
Without a doubt, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca deserves significant credit for steadying the ship and gelling a talented young squad together.
Chelsea’s owners are delighted with Maresca, and we suspect the majority of the fanbase feels the same.
Darren Bent as a pundit for ITV Sport during the FA Cup.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Darren Bent admits Robert Sanchez is winning him over at Chelsea
According to Darren Bent, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, 27, has grown on him as a player.
Bent said on talkSPORT (29 August): “I used to be of the opinion that Sanchez is replaceable and not good enough to be Chelsea goalkeeper. But the longer he’s gone on, the more I am starting to grow with him a little bit. He is minimising his mistakes. I think Enzo Maresca has started to go; if you have to go a bit more direct, just do it.”
Robert Sanchez playing for Chelsea against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Unless something dramatic happens in the final hours of the summer transfer window, Sanchez looks like he will continue as Chelsea’s first-choice keeper.
The Spanish gloveman can be an excellent shot-stopper when he’s performing, plus he’s proven he can turn up in big games. However, there are still question marks around his distribution and lapses in concentration.
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Chelsea decided they didn’t want to sell Sanchez after some excellent performances at the Club World Cup this summer.
To date, his Blues career has been a bit up and down because he’s yet to prove he’s a world-class goalkeeper on a consistent basis. It’s a massive opportunity for him under Maresca to be an important part of this exciting side, though.
Even though Jody Morris doubts Chelsea can go to the next level with Sanchez, the key for him is he’s in possession of the shirt.
Robert Sanchez starts in strong Chelsea XI vs Fulham
Unsurprisingly, Sanchez continues in net for Chelsea during their Premier League match at home to Fulham on Saturday.
He’s conceded just one goal in his opening two matches of the new campaign, so can he chalk up another clean sheet this weekend before the international break? We’re sure that Sanchez will remember he conceded in both league clashes against rivals Fulham last season.