With Chelsea’s ongoing goalkeeper woes threatening to derail their top four charge, some have been looking in envy at the fortunes of one of their loanees away from the club.
Djordje Petrovic was the starting ‘keeper for the majority of last season under Mauricio Pochettino, however the club looked a different direction for the current campaign.
It was believed Chelsea doubted Petrovic would suit Maresca’s style, with his system lending towards his number one being able to play out from the back.
This has been on show at Stamford Bridge throughout this season, however not all fans are convinced of the patient build-up play.
Djordje Petrovic in line to stay at Chelsea
Chelsea fans jeered Filip Jorgensen in their most recent Premier League game against Southampton as a result of his slow build-up play from the back.
Petrovic’s passing has improved this season, and his shot-stopping has seen him keep four clean sheets in row.
This culminated in Petrovic not conceding in February, an impressive feat that chiefs at Stamford Bridge will for sure have noted.
According to Mail Plus, the Serbian has received rave reviews during his time on loan at Strasbourg, and is in line to stay at Chelsea at the end of this season.
It is unclear whether he will be a starter for the Blues, however reports have already claimed Maresca wants a new goalkeeper.
The Italian has defended his players from criticism in the media, but will no doubt have taken note of the points dropped due to individual errors.
Djordje Petrovic stats compared to Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez
Maresca announced Jorgensen is the new number one at Chelsea, however his first Premier League game in the role saw a huge mistake cost them against Aston Villa.
When looking at stats, it seems clear that the club’s best option for the role has actually been in France the entire time.
| Chelsea goalkeepers stats | Djordje Petrovic | Robert Sanchez | Filip Jorgensen |
| Matches | 21 | 21 | 9 |
| Clean sheets | 7 | 4 | 5 |
| Saves | 70 | 71 | 51 |
| Errors led to goal | 0 | 5 | 1 |
| Accurate long balls | 130 | 86 | 24 |
The Chelsea Chronicle were told that Petrovic could be Chelsea number two next season, with the Blues still looking at new options to fulfil the role.
One of those is Bart Verbruggen, however supporters will no doubt roll their eyes at the suggestion of signing another player from Brighton after the plethora of additions they have made both on and off the pitch from there.
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