“Enemies of progress player” “Drop him & sign his replacement” – John Obi Mikel warns Enzo Maresca against using Chelsea star who could ruined Chelsea top4
There’s no doubt that Chelsea have taken giant strides forward in the last few months, but John Obi Mikel has now told them that one player isn’t good enough to be the long-term solution in the starting line-up.
Chelsea have made a positive start to life under Enzo Maresca’s management, winning 10 of their opening 17 games across all competitions.
Next, the Blues host London rivals Arsenal on Sunday in the Premier League. If they win, they’ll go into November’s international break inside the division’s top four.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta explained he’s really impressed by Chelsea under Maresca this season.
John Obi Mikel says Chelsea need upgrade on Robert Sanchez
According to John Obi Mikel, Chelsea will eventually need to sign a better goalkeeper than Robert Sanchez to start in-between the sticks.
The 26-year-old keeper has regained his position as the club’s No.1 this campaign, but he’s received a fair bit of scrutiny for a few individual errors.
Mikel said via his YouTube channel: “Sanchez does have a couple of performances here and there, but if we are to win the Premier League or to finish in the top four, I think we need a better top goalkeeper. A goalkeeper who’s steady, calm and reliable.”
Sanchez, who earns £60,000-a-week (Spotrac), definitely still divides opinion within the fanbase. Unfortunately, it feels like an error is just around the corner, even when he’s finding some form.
David Seaman has previously described Chelsea goalkeeper Sanchez as “inconsistent”, which is not something you want in your first-choice gloveman.
Chelsea still believe Sanchez has all the tools to become one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers, but he’s got a lot of work to do to win over his doubters.
Robert Sanchez must cut out errors
If Sanchez wants to be Chelsea’s long-term starter in goal, he’s surely got to limit the amount of individual mistakes. His latest error was giving away a spot-kick in last weekend’s 1-1 league draw versus Manchester United, which joins his catalogue of mistakes in Chelsea colours.
In terms of his general play, Sanchez is a decent shot-stopper. In fact, he ranks high for most saves in the Premier League this season by goalkeepers.
As long as Sanchez is still starting games for the Blues, he’s got the opportunity to prove his quality and make the position his own.