BREAKING NEWS: “If you continue to start him then all your efforts will be in vain because you can never maintain your top position if you still allow him to ruin you games” – Robbie Savage argues that Chelsea’s hopes of winning the Premier League are slim if they continue to rely on a £25 million player in their starting lineup. Savage believes that key positional upgrades are essential for Chelsea to be genuine title contenders.
Chelsea’s development under Enzo Maresca has shown promise, although their journey is still unfolding. At the start of the 2023/24 Premier League season, Chelsea were struggling in 11th place with just 12 points after the first 10 games, reflecting a team still adjusting to a new manager and tactical style.
This season, however, the club’s improvement is becoming evident. They have risen to fourth place, accumulating 18 points over the same period. While they are not yet contenders for the title, particularly against dominant teams like Manchester City and Liverpool, their growth is clear. City and Liverpool have well-established squads with years of chemistry, while Maresca’s Chelsea is still in its early stages. Nevertheless, the team’s progress suggests that a solid foundation is being laid for the future.
Chelsea’s potential to compete for the title may come to fruition if owner Todd Boehly continues to support Maresca’s long-term vision. Over time, the young squad could develop the cohesion needed to challenge for top honors. Maresca’s focus on nurturing talent and building from within hints that a title challenge could become achievable if Chelsea remains committed to this developmental approach.
However, not all are convinced that Chelsea will reach the pinnacle of English football. Football pundit Robbie Savage has expressed doubts, particularly concerning the team’s goalkeeping situation. He believes that upgrading their goalkeeper is essential for Chelsea’s title ambitions. Savage views Robert Sanchez, whom he rates as a “seven out of 10” goalkeeper, as inadequate for a title-contending team. He argues that top clubs rely on elite goalkeepers who provide security and inspire confidence throughout the defense.
Savage’s concerns about Sanchez are based on recent performances, including mistakes in a 2-1 loss to Liverpool and a penalty conceded in a match against Manchester United. Despite Chelsea’s £25 million investment in Sanchez after his departure from Brighton, his performances have not justified the cost.
Savage suggests that instead of pursuing another high-profile goalkeeper, Chelsea should focus on developing their own emerging talent. The club has promising young goalkeepers, and nurturing these prospects might yield a future star suited to the team’s needs. This would align with Maresca’s strategy of building a cohesive squad from the ground up, emphasizing stability over short-term solutions. If Chelsea aims to challenge the Premier League’s elite, developing a reliable goalkeeper, whether in Sanchez or a rising talent, will be crucial. Ultimately, Maresca’s success will depend on his ability to create a well-rounded team with a dependable defense capable of competing with the league’s best.
