Robert Sanchez: Chelsea's No 1 Goalkeeper Amidst Filip Jorgensen's Arrival

Chelsea's Goalkeeping Dilemma: Maresca's Vision for 2023

As Chelsea enters a new era under manager Enzo Maresca, addressing the goalkeeper situation emerges as a critical yet complex challenge. Following a pre-season opener against Wrexham that ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, Maresca emphasized the importance of the goalkeeper role in implementing his tactical vision. He stated, “For sure, the way we want to play, the goalkeeper is very, very important. It is one of the main positions.”

New Additions: Filip Jorgensen Joins the Ranks

Typically, new managers exert their influence by reshaping their squad through signings. Chelsea has made its intentions clear by signing Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal. However, it appears Sanchez will start the upcoming season as Chelsea's No. 1 goalkeeper, with Jorgensen positioned as backup, but with the potential to challenge Sanchez's role.

Robert Sanchez's Road Ahead

Despite the investments in Jorgensen, Sanchez finds himself back in the first-choice role. His first season at Chelsea was marred by inconsistency and injuries, which limited his appearances to early December last season. The promising performance of Djordje Petrovic during Sanchez's absence further complicates matters, yet Maresca's tactical approach seems to favor Sanchez for the current season.

A Goalkeeper Like No Other

Maresca's style of play is not traditional; he requires a goalkeeper who not only stops shots but also contributes to the team's build-up play, akin to an outfield player. This demand was evident in Maresca's previous success at Leicester, where he integrated Mads Hermansen, tasked with stepping into the back four to reinforce playmaking.

Examining Sanchez's Skill Set

What sets Sanchez apart is his propensity to act as a 'sweeper-keeper'. Even during his injury-affected season, he showcased agility on the ball, leading to more touches, passes, and fewer mistakes than Petrovic. His comfort in advanced positions aligns with Maresca's vision, enabling him to significantly support defensive actions while aiding in offensive transitions.

Sanchez's Perspective

The Spaniard acknowledges the evolving demands of a goalkeeper in this system, asserting, “It's a different style... The goalkeeper here needs to 'have a pair' and show a bit of personality. I think I am the right guy for that.” He stresses the importance of embodying confidence and quality, balancing risk and reward effectively.

Learning from Mistakes

However, the emphasis on an advanced playing style carries risks, often leading to costly mistakes that may undermine the team’s performance. Sanchez himself is aware of this delicate balance, recalling a costly error against Arsenal last season. Despite limited occurrence, concerns over his passing abilities under pressure led to his temporary benching at Brighton.

The Role of Jorgensen

Amid these uncertainties, Jorgensen is seen as a potential solution. Last season, he led La Liga goalkeepers in completed passes, offering an alternative should Sanchez's struggles resurface. His proficiency in starting plays from the back could bolster Chelsea's attacking strategies.

Adapting to a New Philosophy

Maresca is committed to fostering a clear philosophy despite early obstacles. Following the Wrexham match, he noted shifts in optimism regarding building from the back, recognizing the inherent risks. He stated, “I think you are going to concede in different ways... Sometimes teams that try to build from the back concede goals but I think you are going to score more than you concede.”

The Bigger Picture: Goalkeepers in Modern Football

Observing the trend among successful Premier League teams, the importance of a ball-playing goalkeeper has become more pronounced. Clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool saw significant advancements in their performances after signing Ederson and Alisson Becker, respectively. Maresca understands that optimizing the goalkeeper role is vital to his vision of a successful Chelsea.

Conclusion

As Maresca embarks on his journey with Chelsea, addressing the goalkeeper situation remains a linchpin in his strategic overhaul. Balancing the need for secure shot-stopping with the demands of modern football’s playing style will be crucial in shaping Chelsea’s ambitions in the 2023 season and beyond.