David James has surprisingly claimed ‘outstanding goalkeeper’ Robert Sanchez can be the ‘foundation’ of Chelsea’s Premier League title challenge.
A number of pundits are of the belief that major trophies will be beyond Chelsea until Spanish shot-stopper Sanchez is replaced.
Sanchez, a £25m signing from Brighton, made a number of errors last season despite Chelsea qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Conference League.
The 27-year-old fared better during Chelsea’s victorious Club World Cup campaign over the summer and has been largely dependable this season, according to ex-England goalkeeper James.
James, speaking to Metro on behalf of AskGamblers, described Sanchez as ‘outstanding’ and even hailed Chelsea’s No. 1 as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
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Far from doubting Chelsea’s title aspirations while Sanchez is between the posts, James believes the Spaniard can be a key player as Enzo Maresca looks to clinch the Premier League trophy.
Asked who he views as the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, James said: ‘Certain goalkeepers suit certain teams.
‘David Raya at Arsenal, of course, has lots and lots 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.
‘However, after eight games Arsenal are at the top of the table and he’s had I think he’s had five clean sheets. I think he is definitely up there as the best performing one at the moment.
‘But Gianluigi Donnarumma obviously came in [to Manchester City] and while he hasn’t got the same aesthetics as David Raya, he’s helped make them look like title challengers again.
‘So I’d put him up there. Alisson is another one even though he’s injured at the moment and Liverpool are struggling.
‘But the one I was actually going to say was Robert Sanchez. I know there are a lot of people who look at Sanchez and question his capabilities but I think he is outstanding.
‘I think the one thing that he’s done this season, more so than last season, is contribute with his distribution. His long balls, similar to David Raya, have been exceptional, not only getting the team out of trouble, but actually starting attack moves.
‘And if you look at that Club World Cup, his distribution against PSG was ridiculous and caused all sorts of problems.
‘So I just think that we’ve got a goalkeeper there who I think will be the foundation for Chelsea’s challenge for the title.
‘I think Chelsea will be up there because, first of all, the outfield players. But as I say, with Robert Sanchez they’ve got a goalkeeper who I think could deliver for them this season.’
Maresca’s Chelsea have won their last four games in all competitions and thrashed Ajax 5-1 in the Champions League last time out.
The Blues, currently fifth in the Premier League, return to action on Saturday against in-form newly-promoted side Sunderland.
Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats have only lost two of their opening eight games back in the top-flight ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend.
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