Chelsea has seen a lot of changes in their backroom with the major one being the introduction of Graham Potter as the Head Coach of the team. Potter’s move from Brighton & Hove Albion meant that a lot of rumours started about the possible moves of a number of Brighton players to reunite with their ex-boss. These rumours have strengthened a lot after Paul Winstanley joined the backroom making his move from Brighton itself to Stamford Bridge.
The latest news around the Blues suggests that Potter is looking to bring Robert Sanchez to London as Edouard Mendy is considering his future in the Blue outfit. Graham Potter has been particular with his goalkeeper choice always as he loves his team to build from the back. Due to this, Potter was quick in replacing Mendy as his first choice at Chelsea with Kepa, who is much more comfortable with the ball under his feet.
Why Edouard Mendy wants out?
Edouard Mendy joined Chelsea in 2020 when Petr Cech scouted the Senegalese keeper to replace the out-of-form Kepa Arrizabalaga for Frank Lampard’s Chelsea. Since then, Mendy has just risen in his game and has been ever so reliable at the back. He broke many records in Chelsea’s Champions League title run and then also went on to win AFCON with Senegal in the following season.
The keeper remained favourite in Tuchel’s team but the last phase under Tuchel exploited Mendy’s inability to distribute the ball. He was caught more than a few times causing trouble for the team. Potter, preferring Kepa’s distribution, replaced the Senegalese keeper and thus the Senegal No.1 is now considering his future in London. Losing the starting spot has greatly affected the AFCON winner and would be looking for offers in the coming windows.
Is Robert Sanchez the ideal option?
Potter and co. are already looking for back-ups in case the Senegalese looks to move and the first name on their list is Brighton’s No.1, Robert Sanchez. The Spaniard has been at Brighton since he was 15 and has enjoyed loan spells across different tiers of English Football. He became Brighton’s first choice under Potter at Brighton in 2020 when he has been irreplaceable and ever so reliable.
The Brighton No.1 has some great ability to cover crosses and has been seen a number of times moving out of his line to collect crosses. Last season he was on the end of 60 crosses, helping his defence against any pressure. He even has been good acting as a sweeper keeper with his average distance last season being measured as 14.1 yards off the goal-line. His impressive performances have not only been reflected in Brighton’s rank in the league, but also has helped him to get a place in Luis Enrique’s Spanish team.
Robert Sanchez has managed to displace De Gea from the squad and will be representing his national side at Qatar World Cup.
It will be a good tussle between Kepa and Sanchez, if the move happens, for the number one spot at Stamford Bridge. Kepa’s injury meant that it was difficult to predict who Luis Enrique preferred but more importantly, it will be interesting to see who will prefer. Kepa still betters Sanchez in long balls and has been equally good at acting as a sweeper-keeper. Additionally, it will be interesting to see if Mendy’s World Cup performances help him convince Potter to hand him back the spot between the sticks.