Chelsea are riding high after a sensational summer, capped by their Club World Cup triumph and a commanding victory over AC Milan. The Blues have injected fresh energy into their squad with four exciting signings—Jorrel Hato, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens—while actively pursuing deals for Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho. The feel-good factor is palpable at Stamford Bridge, with fans buzzing about the team’s newfound depth and attacking flair. However, former Premier League star Troy Deeney has sounded a note of caution, pointing to one player who continues to raise serious doubts: goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea’s summer has been nothing short of spectacular. Their Club World Cup victory showcased their ability to compete with the world’s elite, and their transfer business has only amplified the excitement. The additions of Hato, a composed and versatile defender, and attacking talents Delap, Pedro, and Gittens have bolstered key areas of the squad. Meanwhile, the potential arrivals of Simons and Garnacho signal Chelsea’s ambition to build a team capable of dominating both domestically and in Europe.
The recent win over AC Milan further underlined Chelsea’s credentials. The Blues were clinical, outclassing their opponents with a display of attacking verve and defensive solidity. Yet, despite the jubilation, Deeney remains fixated on a lingering concern in Chelsea’s lineup.
While Sanchez showed flashes of brilliance toward the end of last season and during the Club World Cup, Deeney isn’t convinced. Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Watford striker didn’t hold back, pinpointing Sanchez as the weak link in an otherwise formidable Chelsea side.
“I’m still seriously worried about Sanchez,” Deeney said. “I know he had a wonderful Club World Cup, but if you look at the goal against AC Milan, his positioning is all over the place. That’s a near-post shot—he should be saving that. There’s a real weird place with Sanchez because he’s shown what he can do, but over the course of his career, he’s let teams down in big moments.”
Deeney’s critique centers on Sanchez’s inconsistency, particularly in high-stakes situations. Despite moments of quality, the goalkeeper’s lapses in positioning and decision-making have left lingering doubts about his ability to be Chelsea’s long-term No. 1.
Chelsea’s decision to stick with Sanchez appears deliberate, as the club has passed on opportunities to sign top-tier goalkeepers this summer. Notably, they balked at AC Milan’s £20-£25m valuation for Mike Maignan, a keeper widely regarded as one of Europe’s best. Similarly, Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, reportedly available for £26m, has not been pursued by Chelsea despite his imminent departure from PSG. Manchester City are now favored to secure the Italian star’s signature.
With no new goalkeeper on the horizon, Chelsea seem prepared to back Sanchez for the upcoming season. While his performances have shown improvement, Deeney’s concerns highlight the pressure on the Spaniard to deliver consistently in a team with lofty ambitions.
As Chelsea gear up for the new Premier League campaign, all eyes will be on Sanchez to prove he can be the reliable last line of defense for a title-contending side. The Blues’ attacking firepower and strengthened defense provide a solid foundation, but Deeney’s warning serves as a reminder that goalkeeping errors can be costly in crucial moments.