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.