David James has surprisingly claimed ‘outstanding goalkeeper’ Robert Sanchez could be the ‘foundation’ of Chelsea’s Premier League title challenge.
Plenty of pundits are of the idea that major trophies might be beyond Chelsea until Spanish shot-stopper Sanchez is replaced.
Sanchez, a £25m signing from Brighton, made a variety of errors last season despite Chelsea qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Conference League.
The 27-year-old fared higher during Chelsea’s victorious Club World Cup campaign over the summer and has been largely dependable this season, in keeping with ex-England goalkeeper James.
James, chatting with Metro on behalf of AskGamblers, described Sanchez as ‘outstanding’ and even hailed Chelsea’s No. 1 as among the finest goalkeepers within the Premier League.
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Removed from doubting Chelsea’s title aspirations while Sanchez is between the posts, James believes the Spaniard could be a key player as Enzo Maresca looks to clinch the Premier League trophy.
Asked who he views as one of the best goalkeepers within the Premier League, James said: ‘Certain goalkeepers suit certain teams.
‘David Raya at Arsenal, in fact, has lots and plenty of clean sheets, and he’s produced some decent saves, but he’s not overly used or needed.
‘Arguably, the one or two times he was needed were against Manchester City and the [Dominik Szoboszlai] free kick against Liverpool.
‘Nonetheless, after eight games Arsenal are at the highest of the table and he’s had I believe he’s had five clean sheets. I believe he is certainly up there as one of the best performing one in the mean time.
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‘But Gianluigi Donnarumma obviously got here in [to Manchester City] and while he hasn’t got the identical aesthetics as David Raya, he’s helped make them appear like title challengers again.
‘So I’d put him up there. Alisson is one other one though he’s injured in the mean time and Liverpool are struggling.
‘However the one I used to be actually going to say was Robert Sanchez. I do know there are a number of individuals who have a look at Sanchez and query his capabilities but I believe he’s outstanding.
‘I believe the one thing that he’s done this season, more so than last season, is contribute along with his distribution. His long balls, just like David Raya, have been exceptional, not only getting the team out of trouble, but actually starting attack moves.
‘And in the event you have a look at that Club World Cup, his distribution against PSG was ridiculous and caused all types of problems.
‘So I just think that we’ve got a goalkeeper there who I believe might be the muse for Chelsea’s challenge for the title.
‘I believe Chelsea might be up there because, to start with, the outfield players. But as I say, with Robert Sanchez they’ve got a goalkeeper who I believe could deliver for them this season.’
Maresca’s Chelsea have won their last 4 games in all competitions and thrashed Ajax 5-1 within the Champions League last day out.
The Blues, currently fifth within the Premier League, return to motion on Saturday against in-form newly-promoted side Sunderland.
Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats have only lost two of their opening eight games back within the top-flight ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend.
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