‘He put a good word in’: £25m signing says Chelsea coach got him his dream move to Stamford Bridge

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Robert Sanchez says Chelsea goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts played a key role in his move to Stamford Bridge over the summer.

Roberts and Robert Sanchez worked with each other at Brighton & Hove Albion and the Spaniard has told Sky Sports that the former Seagulls player put in a good word for him during the Blues’ search for a new shot-stopper.

“Ben knows my level, he always thinks I’m one of the best and he helped with the move — he put a good word in and helped to get me to Chelsea,” Sanchez said. “I love him, I’ve had an amazing relationship with him for seven years, and I wanted to come here and work with him.”

The 25-year-old was Brighton’s No.1 before losing his place in Roberto De Zerbi’s team to Jason Steele.

As a result, Chelsea were able to sign Sanchez from their Premier League rivals in a £25m deal.

Chelsea’s No.1

Sanchez may not have expected to become Chelsea’s No.1 straight away. When he arrived in west London, compatriot Kepa Arrizabalaga was still at the club.

However, the 28-year-old has since left Mauricio Pochettino’s side for Real Madrid, joining the Spanish giants on loan.

It means Sanchez is now Chelsea’s undisputed No.1 for the time being.

With Kepa departing, the Blues brought in Djordje Petrovic to provide competition for Sanchez. But with the former Brighton shot-stopper being the more experienced player who is already familiar with the Premier League, you would expect him to remain the first choice between the sticks for a while.

The Spain international has conceded five goals in four top-flight games so far this season, which is not great, and has only managed to keep one clean sheet. However, Chelsea, who currently sit in 12th, have struggled as a whole.

Next up for Sanchez and his team-mates is a trip to the Vitality Stadium to take on Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side.