John Obi Mikel offers surprise praise to Chelsea ace who’s shown a “little bit of improvement” | OneFootball

Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel believes goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has shown improvements in his game this season.

Chelsea fans were largely disappointed when the Blues opted against signing a new goalkeeper and decided to stick with Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.

The Blues turned down the chance to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan, whilst they didn’t make a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma who ended up joining Manchester City.

John Obi Mikel praises Robert Sanchez

Chelsea currently sit third in the league and have conceded 11 goals so far this season, with a number of those down to poor individual errors.

Sanchez has been heavily criticised during his time at Chelsea, but the Spaniard hasn’t been a major problem so far this season.

The Spain international has been criticised in the past for the amount of mistakes he makes, but this season he’s certainly made less.

Sanchez has shown signs of improvement this season. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Sanchez got sent off against Manchester United, but outside of that he’s made some important saves, and Mikel believes he’s shown signs of improvement.

“There’s a little bit of improvement in his game, which we can all see,” he told The Obi One Podcast.

“When he’s doing well, we also have to give a bit of credit.

Yes, Sanchez is doing a little bit better compared to what he’s done last season, a little bit less mistake.

“He started the season again, a little bit shaky, but now he’s a little bit more consistent in terms of his performances, but I still think that we do need a top, top goalkeeper.”

Chelsea believe in Mike Penders

Whilst Sanchez has improved, the common consensus amongst supporters and the majority of pundits is the Blues need an upgrade.

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However, Chelsea have talented youngster Mike Penders on their books, who is currently impressing on loan at Strasbourg.

Chelsea are said to believe Penders is special, and it’s clear the Blues view him as their long term number one, it’s just a question of when they think the 20-year-old is ready to make that huge step.