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 evolution under the guidance of Enzo Maresca has offered glimpses of potential and ambition, though the journey remains ongoing. Last season, after the first ten Premier League games of the 2023/24 campaign, Chelsea found themselves languishing in 11th place with only 12 points. The modest start was indicative of a team still finding its footing under a new manager and adapting to a fresh tactical philosophy.

Fast forward to the current season, and Chelsea’s progress is beginning to show. They have climbed up to fourth place, amassing 18 points within the same stretch of games. Although they are not yet in the conversation for a title challenge, especially against powerhouse clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool, the signs of growth are unmistakable. City and Liverpool possess established, well-coordinated squads that have honed their chemistry over years, while Maresca’s Chelsea project is still relatively young. Nonetheless, Chelsea’s improvement signals that the foundation for something greater might be forming.

The vision of competing for the title could become a reality if owner Todd Boehly continues to show patience and faith in Maresca’s long-term project. With time, the young Chelsea squad may develop the chemistry and cohesion needed to mount a genuine title challenge. Maresca’s approach seems to emphasize building from within and fostering talent, suggesting that a title push might be more achievable if Chelsea commits to this developmental path.

However, not everyone believes that the club’s current trajectory will lead them to the summit of English football. Football pundit Robbie Savage has voiced his skepticism, specifically highlighting Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation as a critical weakness. According to Savage, the key to Chelsea’s title aspirations lies in upgrading their goalkeeper. He believes that Robert Sanchez, whom he deems a “seven out of 10” goalkeeper, may not be the ideal candidate for a team with championship ambitions. Savage argues that elite title-contending teams often rely on goalkeepers of the highest caliber, who can provide stability and inspire confidence across the defense.

Savage’s concerns about Sanchez are grounded in recent performances that left fans and analysts questioning the keeper’s reliability. During a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, Sanchez’s positioning errors were evident, costing Chelsea crucial points. In a recent clash with Manchester United, Sanchez conceded a penalty that proved costly, further fueling doubts about his ability to handle high-stakes moments. Despite Chelsea’s £25 million investment in Sanchez after he lost his place as Brighton’s first-choice keeper, his performances thus far have not entirely justified the price tag.

Given these circumstances, Savage suggests that Chelsea may need to shift their focus to internal options instead of pursuing another high-profile, costly signing in the goalkeeping department. The club has a few promising young goalkeepers within their ranks, and a strong case could be made for nurturing this emerging talent rather than repeatedly dipping into the transfer market. By investing in developing their own prospects, Chelsea might find a future star who embodies the qualities needed for a successful title charge.

This approach would align with Maresca’s vision of building a cohesive and resilient squad from the ground up, prioritizing stability and continuity over short-term fixes. If Chelsea is to eventually rise to the level of the Premier League’s elite, creating a dependable last line of defense, whether with Sanchez or a developing talent, will be essential. Maresca’s success may ultimately hinge on his ability to cultivate a balanced team with a reliable backbone, one capable of challenging the established giants in

the league.
Under Enzo Maresca’s leadership, Chelsea has shown signs of steady progress, moving from an unsteady start last season to a more promising position in the current campaign. In the 2023/24 season, Chelsea’s struggle was evident early on, with only 12 points from their first ten Premier League games, landing them in 11th place. This modest beginning reflected a squad in transition, adjusting to Maresca’s system and philosophy.

Now, a year into Maresca’s project, Chelsea appears to be gaining momentum, sitting in fourth with 18 points after the first ten games. Although not yet on par with title contenders like Manchester City and Liverpool, Chelsea’s progress suggests the groundwork for future success. Maresca’s vision seems to focus on long-term growth, developing the team’s chemistry and stability—a necessity for any serious title contender. With support from owner Todd Boehly, this steady approach could eventually position Chelsea as a competitor at the top of English football.

However, football pundit Robbie Savage has raised concerns about one crucial area that could hinder Chelsea’s progress: the goalkeeper. Savage argues that Robert Sanchez, currently Chelsea’s primary keeper, may not have the elite reliability needed for a championship-winning side. He highlighted several of Sanchez’s recent costly mistakes—such as errors against Liverpool and a penalty conceded in a clash with Manchester United—that cast doubt on his consistency in high-pressure situations. Although Chelsea spent £25 million to bring Sanchez from Brighton, his performances have yet to fully validate this investment.

Savage suggests that instead of investing further in high-profile goalkeeping acquisitions, Chelsea should focus on their young talents. This approach aligns with Maresca’s vision of building a team from within, focusing on stability and continuity over expensive, short-term fixes. Cultivating a homegrown goalkeeping talent could offer Chelsea a dependable option for the future, creating a backbone that strengthens the squad as a whole.

If Chelsea is to reach the level of Premier League giants like City and Liverpool, establishing a reliable defense will be crucial. Maresca’s success may depend on his ability to develop a well-balanced squad, including a secure last line of defense, that can consistently challenge the top teams in the league.