After suggesting Chelsea will never win trophies with Robert Sanchez, John Obi Mikel delivers verdict on goalkeeper following CWC final triumph

Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel lavished praise on Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez following his performance in the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13. The Premier League side managed to defeat Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 3-0 in this match, meaning that the Spain international kept a clean sheet.

However, there have been questions raised about the goalkeeper's long-term future at Stamford Bridge, with many believing that he is prone to errors. Mikel, who seems to slightly concerned about the 27-year-old former Brighton star told DAZN after the win over PSG (via The Chelsea Chronicle):

"I still believe we do need a top, top goalkeeper. Robert Sanchez had a brilliant game today but going into the new season with the Champions League and the Premier League I think you still need another top goalkeeper that is going to come in and compete with him.”

Sanchez started the final of the Club World Cup and produced six saves during this tie. He made one high claim and saved five shots from inside the penalty area. Sanchez also recorded two clearances during the match.

The shot-stopper joined the Blues from Brighton in the summer of 2023 and has gone on to make 61 appearances across competitions since then, keeping 18 clean sheets. He is currently contracted at the club till the summer of 2030.

Cole Palmer reacts to Chelsea lifting FIFA Club Wolrd Cup

Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer led his team to FIFA Club World Cup success, scoring twice in the final against PSG on Sunday. The England international contributed three goals and two assists overall in this tournament from six matches.

He scored twice in the space of eight minutes in the final to put the Blues 2-0 up within the first half hour. Speaking after the team's victory, Palmer told DAZN (via Sky Sports):

"Obviously it's a great feeling. Even better because obviously everyone doubted us before the game. I like finals and it happened again."

"The gaffer put a great game plan out. He knew where the space was going to be. I just had to repay him and score some goals."

He added:

"He's building something special. Something important. I feel like we are going in the right direction."

Chelsea and Palmer will now prepare for the start of the Premier League season. They open their league campaign with a game against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 17.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Know More

Edited by Rahul Naresh