Mariska told to replace £25m Blues star with ‘top’ player after ‘doubt’ to start season

John Obi Mikel has urged Chelsea head coach Enzo Marisca to replace Robert Sanchez with a “top, top goalkeeper” as soon as possible.

The Blues have the seventh-best defense in the Premier League this season, with Mariska’s side third in the table at the international break.

Chelseawho are six points adrift of leaders Arsenal, have had moments this season where Mariska have been under pressure but two consecutive wins have put them back up in the league.

Martin Kevin has even suggested it Chelsea are the dark horses for the Premier League title With more than six months of the season left to play.

The former Chelsea midfielder was critical of Mikel Sanchez – who signed from Brighton for £25m in 2023 – last season but believes the Spaniard has been “a bit better” this term.

Despite this improvement, Mikel believes Mariska needs to sign a “top” replacement for Sanchez, saying on his YouTube channel: “There is a little bit of improvement in his game, which we can all see.

READ: Enzo Mariska isn’t getting the Chelsea credit he deserves from you, America or anyone else

“When he’s doing well, we have to give a little bit of credit too. Yes, Sanchez has done a little bit better than he did last season, some mistakes.

“He had a bit of a shaky start to the season again, but now he’s a bit more consistent in terms of his performances. But I still think we need a top, top goalkeeper.”

On Chelsea’s goals for the rest of the season, Mikel added: “I think we’re not going to win the league this season.

“I think we lack a bit more experience in terms of winning the league, but I think the top four should be our aim this season, Chelsea.”

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Sanchez has been one of Chelsea’s standout players so far this season after the Blues beat Tottenham 1–0 on 1 November, with Sanchez praising him as “playing the best player anywhere in his position”.

Sanchez said: “He’s a real beast! He’s the best player in his position anywhere. Who’s better than him in that position?

“He’s a beast. Every challenge, every 50-50, he wins it. His composure on the ball, his finishing… if he hits it on target, it goes in!

“I knew him at Brighton when he wasn’t even playing at Brighton. I remember talking to him at lunch about whether he was going on loan or not.

“He hasn’t changed much. As a character he’s always been the same, about hard work and effort, and calm. A great guy. He’s obviously filled out a little more with age, and he’s gotten better and better with experience. His confidence has gotten higher and higher.”