Reece James has been discussing who the strongest players in Chelsea’s squad are.
Understandably, Reece James included himself, with the right-back being quite a big and tough defender.
However, more surprisingly, the 24-year-old also named goalkeeper Robert Sanchez as one of the strongest members of Mauricio Pochettino‘s senior squad. James was speaking on the Premier League’s Uncut.
Sanchez joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £25m deal (BBC Sport).
The Spaniard became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan move to Real Madrid but has been replaced by Djordje Petrovic after picking up an injury.
Robert Sanchez one of the strongest players at Chelsea
James has named Sanchez and Axel Disasi as two of the strongest players at Chelsea alongside himself.
“Axel’s very strong as well,” the England international said. “To be fair, Rob Sanchez is also strong. You probably don’t get to see it, but he’s strong.”
When could Robert Sanchez make his return to action?
Sanchez should not be too far off a return. The 26-year-old was first spotted last month doing some individual work on the grass again.
However, when Sanchez is fit again, he should not be thrown straight back into the starting XI. He needs to earn his spot.
Petrovic probably did not have his best game against Crystal Palace on Monday. Chelsea legend and former goalkeeper Petr Cech was quite critical of the goal he conceded in the Blues’ 3-1 win at Selhurst Park.
Since coming into the team, though, Petrovic has done a good job overall.
Chelsea take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final next Sunday and have the 24-year-old to thank for getting to that stage, for example. He made an excellent save in the penalty shoot-out against Newcastle United in the quarter-finals.
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Ultimately, we cannot see too many reasons for Pochettino to drop Petrovic once their Spain international returns from injury.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
