Brad Friedel has now tipped Djordje Petrovic to replace Robert Sanchez in the starting XI at Chelsea.
The 52-year-old made the comments when speaking on Sky Sports.
So, what did Brad Friedel say about Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, Chelsea have not even officially announced the Serbia international’s arrival yet.
According to Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard, Petrovic is set to undergo a medical with Chelsea on Thursday after the Blues agreed a £14m fee with New England Revolution.
Despite that, Friedel has very high hopes for the young glovesman, and believes he is capable of becoming a regular starter under Mauricio Pochettino.
The American told Sky Sports: “Sanchez is there, so Djordje is gonna have to go in there and prove himself. I think he’ll be given a chance. I don’t know how soon that chance will be, but once he’s given the chance I don’t see him being displaced. I think Djordje is a No.1 and has been groomed to be a No.1 – I think his development and progress has been excellent.
“I see him in the long-term as being No.1 at Chelsea.”
Now, that is a huge claim.
As talented as Petrovic is, Chelsea have just spent £25m on Sanchez – who is a full Spain international – so it would be a major statement from Pochettino to bench his new No.1 for a young prospect.
Chelsea risk angering Sanchez if Petrovic takes his spot
In our view, Pochettino will upset Sanchez tremendously if he benches him for Petrovic.
The 25-year-old has only just emerged from a tough situation at Brighton, where he ended up third choice under Roberto De Zerbi behind Jason Steele and Bart Verbruggen.
Therefore, if his time as No.1 at Chelsea is cut short by a relatively unknown 23-year-old, the Spaniard surely won’t be happy.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Chelsea are set to officially announce Petrovic’s arrival soon.
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