For the past three seasons, Robert Sanchez has been the number one at Chelsea. He has not exactly been a consistent performer though. There have been times when the Spaniard looks great. He was one of the club’s best players for a large part of this season.
But just when it looked like he was developing into a world-class goalkeeper, the errors have cropped up in his game again. Curiously, Liam Rosenior dropped Sanchez against Aston Villa and started Filip Jorgensen.
Sanchez was back in the starting XI against Wrexham. But one has to wonder if the two goalkeepers have now switched places in the pecking order. It will become a lot clearer when the Blues visit PSG in the Champions League this week.
In the long run, neither Sanchez nor Jorgensen might remain Chelsea’s number one. That is because it looks like they have their eyes set on a Dutch goalkeeper.
Chelsea planning move for Sunderland goalkeeper
According to Football Insider, Chelsea are accelerating their “concrete” interest in Robin Roefs. The Blues’ recruitment team are prioritising the signing of a goalkeeper in the summer who is capable of becoming the new number one.
Roefs has been the starting goalkeeper for Sunderland, as they have made a solid return to the Premier League. They currently sit at 11th in the table. Interestingly, only three teams have conceded fewer goals than them so far this season.
Could Roefs be the answer to Chelsea’s goalkeeping problems?
Chelsea have struggled to fill the goalkeeping gloves since Thibaut Courtois left for Real Madrid in 2018. They spent a world-record fee on Kepa Arrizabalaga but the former Athletic Bilbao man never met expectations.
To be fair, Edouard Mendy was phenomenal in the 20/21 campaign as Chelsea won the Champions League. But his form would decline after that one great season, and he would soon end up in the Saudi Pro League.
Of course, we know all about the ups and downs Sanchez has had as Chelsea’s number one. Now, it looks like the club are looking for a replacement after three inconsistent years from the Spaniard.
Is Roefs the answer to Chelsea’s problems? Well, the numbers do seem to back him up. He has the fourth-best save percentage in the Premier League this season. He is third when it comes to the number of saves. And only three have faced more shots on target than him.
Roefs is also competent with the ball at his feet and excellent when it comes to coming out and claiming aerial balls into the box. Someone like him could be a genuine upgrade on Sanchez in goal, which is what Chelsea need right now.
