Chelsea fans were in high spirits following their dominant 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final, a result that crowned them champions and highlighted the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.
The Spanish shot-stopper was instrumental in securing the clean sheet, delivering multiple crucial saves during the clash in New York on Sunday night. His efforts earned him the Golden Glove award and widespread applause from both teammates and supporters.
However, despite his heroics in the final, not everyone is fully convinced about Sánchez’s long-term suitability as Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel made headlines with his honest assessment after the match, casting doubt over Sánchez’s consistency and overall reliability. Speaking on DAZN during the post-match analysis, Mikel responded directly to Gareth Bale’s suggestion that Chelsea might no longer need to look for a new goalkeeper.
“No, no, no, we are still buying a goalkeeper,” Mikel said bluntly. “I’m still not convinced with Sánchez at all, but let’s give him credit, he had a great game today, I’ll give him that.”
Mikel’s remarks reflect a broader skepticism among fans and pundits, many of whom have criticized Sánchez’s inconsistency since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Brighton. While his performance against PSG was arguably his best in a Chelsea shirt, it hasn’t erased concerns stemming from his overall display last season.
Notably, Sánchez had the highest number of errors leading to goals among all Premier League goalkeepers during that campaign — a stat that continues to haunt his reputation.
The final offered a glimpse of his potential, as he showed composure, agility, and leadership between the posts. Yet, questions about whether he can maintain that level over the course of a full season remain unanswered.
His critics argue that one standout performance, even in a high-stakes final, doesn’t undo months of questionable decision-making and inconsistency.
Chelsea were previously linked with a move for AC Milan’s top-tier goalkeeper Mike Maignan earlier in the summer.
However, the club reportedly pulled out due to the high transfer fee demanded by the Italian side. As it stands, Sánchez is expected to begin the new Premier League season as Mauricio Pochettino’s first-choice keeper.
While Chelsea’s recent Club World Cup triumph has brought a sense of optimism and momentum ahead of the new campaign, the goalkeeping position remains an area of concern.
Mikel’s comments have sparked renewed debate, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Sánchez’s role. Many supporters and analysts agree: until Sánchez proves himself consistently over time, the search for a more dependable number one may not be over.
