Chelsea host rivals Brighton on Saturday afternoon for a Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have kept back-to-back clean sheets in their last two league matches, with Robert Sanchez finding some form in-between the sticks. Sanchez, 26, has regained his starting position this season since Chelsea appointed their new manager, Enzo Maresca. He must be delighted that Maresca has quickly taken a liking to him. Sanchez claimed in pre-season that he’d suit Maresca’s style, so it’s great to see him performing so positively and consistently to date. Next, he’s got to keep his form up to stay in the best starting line-up ahead of teammate Filip Jorgensen.
We doubt that many people would’ve predicted Sanchez to enjoy a mini revival at the start of the season. The Spanish shot-stopper spent the second half of last season on Chelsea’s bench behind Djordje Petrovic, but he’s regained his number one spot and is playing some great football. In particular, he’s looking much more confident and assured when building out from the back.
It was evident from Maresca’s spell at Leicester last year that he places a great emphasis on his keepers to build from the back, so it’s been great to see Sanchez rise to that challenge. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has been extremely complimentary of Chelsea’s Sanchez in the build-up to Saturday’s game. He’s explained that the Blues number one is a key part of his team’s play because he’s always looking to play out from the back with the ball at his feet.
Sanchez's Rise to the Top
Sanchez's resurgence can be attributed to his adaptation to Maresca's playing style. Maresca's emphasis on building from the back has provided Sanchez with a platform to showcase his strengths. He's consistently shown composure and accuracy when distributing the ball from the backline, a trait that's become increasingly important in modern football.
The Impact of Maresca's Philosophy
Maresca's tactical approach has undoubtedly influenced Sanchez's performances. Sanchez's confidence has grown under Maresca's tutelage. He's embracing the responsibility of initiating attacks from the back, proving himself to be a valuable asset in the modern game. Sanchez's ability to play out from the back has been a key factor in Chelsea's recent success.
Sanchez's Passing Range
Sanchez's passing range has been a key factor in his resurgence. He's averaging over 40 passes per game this season, highlighting his importance in Chelsea's build-up play.
Top 10 Premier League Goalkeepers by Passes
Here is a look at the top 10 goalkeepers with the most passes in the Premier League so far this season, as confirmed via the Premier League’s official website:
- Alisson Becker (Liverpool): 523
- Ederson Moraes (Manchester City): 489
- Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal): 473
- Robert Sanchez (Chelsea): 435
- Kepa Arrizabalaga (Real Madrid): 428
- David Raya (Arsenal): 421
- Jordan Pickford (Everton): 405
- Diogo Costa (Porto): 397
- Alex Meret (Napoli): 389
- Jasper Cillessen (Valencia): 375
Sanchez’s ranking amongst the top goalkeepers in the league based on passing highlights his significant contribution to Chelsea’s attacking play. He’s become a key part of Maresca’s strategy to dominate possession and create chances from the back.
The Future is Bright for Sanchez
Sanchez’s transformation under Maresca has been remarkable. He’s clearly relishing the opportunity to play a more proactive role in Chelsea’s game. He’s proving to be a valuable asset for the Blues, showcasing his versatility and ability to thrive in a modern footballing environment.
If Sanchez continues his current form, he’ll be a key player in Chelsea’s pursuit of silverware this season. He's shown that he's more than capable of performing at the highest level.
With his newfound confidence and growing influence on the Chelsea team, Robert Sanchez is a player to watch in the coming years.
