Following their Club World Cup success, some are backing Chelsea to compete in next season’s title race.
Chelsea won the Club World Cup final after beating European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-0.
Since then, Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has lauded Chelsea, claiming that Enzo Maresca‘s side can win the Premier League crown.
As well as Nicol, former Scotland forward Alan Brazil has also backed the Blues to challenge for the title in the near future.
Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty ImagesAlan Brazil thinks Chelsea can compete with Robert Sanchez
Robert Sanchez was one reason why Chelsea were able to win the Club World Cup trophy, with the goalkeeper having an excellent tournament.
However, the 27-year-old still has his doubters. Ex-Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris spoke about Sanchez after the final, stating that the Blues need to upgrade on him if they want to get to the next level.
Brazil, though, is convinced that Maresca’s team can compete for the Premier League crown with Sanchez in goal.
“I think they’re challengers this year, I really do,” Brazil said on talkSPORT. “Not just because they beat PSG, I could see signs last season, thinking, ‘Yeah, they’re going to be up there.’”
When asked if he thinks Chelsea’s goalkeeper is good enough for the club to challenge for the title, Brazil replied: “I do, I do.”
At one point, Chelsea also seemed to have had some doubts about Sanchez. Before flying to the US, the club tried to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesWhat those inside the game have said about Robert Sanchez
All in all, Sanchez continues to divide opinion. The Spaniard has both his critics and admirers.
One manager is a fan of Sanchez, believing that the former Brighton & Hove Albion man will save you more points than he will cost you.
Chelsea paid Brighton just £25m for Sanchez. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, he has helped the club to qualify for the Champions League and win both Conference League and Club World Cup. He has probably now paid back that fee.
If the Spain international can take his Club World Cup form into the Premier League next term and maintain it, Chelsea may very well be able to challenge for first place.