Robert Sanchez has arguably been the most criticised Chelsea player over the last year.
The Spaniard joined the Blues from Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion in a £25 million deal in the summer of 2023, and he has had his good moments.
Sanchez was very good in the Club World Cup, but there have also been times when he has made some awful mistakes.
That has led to a lot of criticism, but one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever goalkeepers has jumped to his defence now.
Peter Schmeichel says Chelsea star Robert Sanchez has been a ‘victim of unfair criticism’
Several popular pundits have had a go at Robert Sanchez for his performances at Chelsea.
The Spaniard was viewed as an excellent goalkeeper during his time at Brighton, but since he got his big move, he has come under a lot of criticism.
Troy Deeney claimed that he is ‘seriously worried’ about Sanchez, while Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said that Chelsea will never win the Premier League with Sanchez in goal.
Even John Obi Mikel urged the Blues to get rid of Sanchez back in June.
Peter Schmeichel, who knows more about goalkeeping than all of the above names combined, has now said something completely different.
“I think he’s a victim of unfair criticism,” Schmeichel said on Premier League Productions. “I think he’s a lot better than what the narrative around him is.
“I think he saves a lot of really obvious things that other goalkeepers are not saving. There is a mistake here and there – it’s not many, and it’s something he needs to work on. But I think this guy is actually okay.
“If he’s a little bit insecure about who is number one, then you will make these kinds of mistakes. The manager should tell him: ‘You are my number one, regardless of what happens.’”
Robert Sanchez looking on before a Spain game
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images
Robert Sanchez’s stats at Chelsea and Brighton compared
Schmeichel is right, Sanchez is not as bad as people make him out to be.
Yes, the Spaniard has made some terrible mistakes, but he has also pulled off several incredible saves over the last two years.
Games Goals conceded Clean sheets
Robert Sanchez at Chelsea 64 73 20
Robert Sanchez at Brighton 90 102 29
Sanchez’s stats at Chelsea and Brighton are fairly similar, so the Blues have got what they paid for.
Now, it’s time for the 27-year-old to become even better, and Enzo Maresca putting an arm around his shoulder and giving him more confidence could do the trick.