Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has praised Robert Sanchez after his performance against Brentford.
The Blues no.1 made an excellent save to prevent Bees captain Christian Norgaard from scoring in the second half. Asked about the crucial stop, Maresca pointed out that it wasn’t the first time the Spaniard has come to his team’s rescue this season:
“If you remember, Bournemouth away, the penalty, against Aston Villa one-v-one against [Ollie] Watkins and Nottingham Forest at the end of the game, the save. Tonight, the save. We are happy with Robert, sometimes when we say things, you struggle to believe. But Robert is doing fantastic.”
Many supporters have called for Sanchez to be replaced but most were keen to praise him following his display on Sunday night:
I'm starting to like him
— Hunter (@Sodexpoly) December 15, 2024
He has earned the right to keep his spot, well done Rob
— Freddy👑 (@fredluisz21) December 16, 2024
As much as I criticise him he was very good today fair play 👏
— Maybach Freddi (@mfa9209) December 15, 2024
Sanchez is a top top goal keeper on his day. What he just lacks is consistency. I believe they are all among the improvement the coach talked about his team needing to make going forward 💙 💙 💙
— (Val.I) (@Akubuevalentine) December 15, 2024
He's not losing his starting spot any time soon and rightly so!
— Horpe (@CFCHorpe) December 15, 2024
Has his bad moments but I have always maintained he hasn't been so bad to get dropped
— KC (@KCknowsball) December 15, 2024
Why Sanchez has the faith of his manager
One of the main reasons why Maresca has been so keen to keep the Spanish international in goal is due to his shot-stopping.
Sanchez’s save percentage (77.6%) is the second-best in the Premier League, with only Liverpool’s Alisson Becker (80%) ahead of him. It saves like the one he made for Norgaard’s shot that are helping his cause.
Chelsea do have genuine competition for the No.1 spot
One thing that should keep Sanchez focused is the fact that Filip Jorgensen is breathing down his neck, having impressed in recent games both domestically and in Europe.
With the Dane keeping him honest, Sanchez knows he can’t afford to make mistakes or he could be dropped.
Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
