“He’s the strongest among us” – Reece James claims £25m man is actually one of the strongest players at Chelsea
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a candid discussion about the powerhouse performers within Chelsea’s squad, right-back Reece James has shed light on the unexpected inclusion of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez among the club’s strongest members.
While James rightfully acknowledged his own stature as a sizable and robust defender, the revelation that the 24-year-old shot-stopper Sanchez is deemed one of the formidable figures surprised many. Speaking on the Premier League’s Uncut, James highlighted Sanchez’s strength, emphasizing that the goalkeeper’s physical prowess might not always be evident but is indeed a notable aspect of his game.
“Axel’s very strong as well,” James commented, “To be fair, Rob Sanchez is also strong. You probably don’t get to see it, but he’s strong.”
Sanchez, who arrived at Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £25 million deal, initially assumed the role of the club’s first-choice goalkeeper following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan move to Real Madrid. However, an injury setback prompted his replacement by Djordje Petrovic.
As Sanchez progresses in his recovery, the discussion inevitably turns to his potential return to action. The 26-year-old has been spotted engaging in individual training on the grass, signaling positive strides toward match fitness. Yet, James advocates for a cautious approach, suggesting that Sanchez should earn his spot back in the starting XI.
Djordje Petrovic, Sanchez’s replacement, has held his ground admirably, contributing to Chelsea’s successful run. Despite some critiques, particularly from Chelsea legend Petr Cech regarding a goal conceded against Crystal Palace, Petrovic’s overall performance has been commendable.
With Chelsea set to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, Petrovic’s pivotal role in securing their spot in the tournament, including a crucial save in a penalty shootout against Newcastle United, adds weight to the argument of not disrupting a winning formula.
As the spotlight turns toward Sanchez’s impending return, the debate surrounding Petrovic’s consistency and contribution becomes a compelling narrative within the broader context of Chelsea’s goalkeeping dynamics. Pochettino, faced with choices, might adhere to the age-old adage: if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
