Chelsea’s ongoing goalkeeping struggles have come under scrutiny, with former Blues winger Joe Cole suggesting that the club’s recruitment system is fundamentally flawed. The club has cycled through multiple goalkeepers in recent years, yet they still lack a definitive No. 1.
Robert Sanchez started the season as Chelsea’s first-choice under Enzo Maresca but was eventually dropped due to costly errors. Djordje Petrovic, once considered a promising option, was loaned to partner club Strasbourg, leaving summer signing Filip Jorgensen to take over. However, the young Dane has faced intense criticism for his performances, particularly in Chelsea’s recent defeats to Brighton and Aston Villa.
Despite his struggles, Maresca remains committed to Jorgensen, stating, “If we need to change players every time there is a mistake, we will change many players.” The manager’s persistence with the goalkeeper has sparked debate among former players and pundits.
Joe Cole’s Criticism: A Flawed Recruitment Model
Speaking on The Dressing Room Podcast, Joe Cole didn’t hold back in his assessment of Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation. He argued that the club’s inability to settle on a reliable shot-stopper is indicative of a deeper recruitment failure.
“It’s something systemically wrong because you can’t have nine goalkeepers on your books and not know which one is your number one,” Cole stated.
Chelsea’s current goalkeeper roster includes loanees Kepa Arrizabalaga and Petrovic, along with recent signings who have yet to prove themselves. The club has cycled through options like Edouard Mendy and Kepa in previous seasons, yet none have provided long-term stability.
Cole insisted that Chelsea must refine their scouting approach and focus on identifying the right goalkeeper in the transfer market. He even suggested that Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels could be the kind of reliable shot-stopper the Blues desperately need.
Matz Sels: A Surprise Solution?
Joe Cole singled out Matz Sels as one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers this season, arguing that Chelsea should consider him as a viable option.
“Do you know who I think is one of the best goalkeepers in the league at the moment? Sels from Forest,” Cole said. “Mate, I’m telling you. Watch him play. Assured, makes saves… I don’t know whether he’s having a golden period, but they are out there. You’ve just got to pick the right one.”
Sels, who joined Nottingham Forest from Strasbourg in January, has impressed with his commanding performances. His ability to make crucial saves and remain composed under pressure has made him a key player for Forest’s survival push in the Premier League.
Carlton Cole: Chelsea’s Goalkeeping Instability Since Courtois
Carlton Cole, another former Chelsea player, echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that the club has struggled to find a settled goalkeeper since Thibaut Courtois left for Real Madrid in 2018.
“Since Courtois, it hasn’t been the same. They’ve not had a settled goalkeeper,” he noted.
Chelsea’s goalkeeping woes have been well-documented, with Edouard Mendy briefly stabilizing the position before being replaced. Kepa’s tenure was marked by inconsistency, and his infamous dispute with Maurizio Sarri during the League Cup final remains one of the most bizarre moments in the club’s recent history.
Carlton Cole urged Chelsea to expand their search beyond the top leagues in Europe to find a dependable goalkeeper. “There’s loads of goalkeepers out there. Go into Europe. They might not be in the top leagues, but just try and source it out,” he advised.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
With Jorgensen struggling and Maresca facing mounting pressure, Chelsea must make a decisive move in the transfer market. Whether they pursue Sels or explore other options, securing a reliable goalkeeper should be a priority.
If Chelsea fails to address their goalkeeping crisis, their defensive instability will likely continue to haunt them, preventing the club from mounting a serious challenge for silverware. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how they resolve this persistent issue.