Criticized Robert Sanchez’s performance in the Club World Cup final against PSG was spectacular.

With a resounding 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night in New Jersey, Chelsea was crowned champions of the new-look Club World Cup. Cole Palmer and Robert Sanchez both had outstanding performances in goal.

The Blues easily defeated the current Champions League champions, who were heavily favored to win the trophy, as a result. Palmer and Joao Pedro spearheaded the offensive attack, but Chelsea’s much-maligned goalie turned out to be an unexpected hero.

To keep a clean sheet and frustrate PSG’s forwards throughout the final, Robert Sanchez made six saves in the ninety minutes, five of which came from inside the area. It was arguably his best performance while wearing a Chelsea shirt.

Doue’s double saves in the 17th minute, when the game was still goalless, was one of his most remarkable saves. Later in the match, with Chelsea ahead, Sanchez made a vital diving save to deny Vitinha, preventing PSG from putting up a fight.

Sanchez was once thought of as a possible weak point in the Chelsea lineup, but his performance in New Jersey won over fans. Social media was flooded with pictures of Sanchez, and some supporters even went so far as to compare the Spaniard to club legend Petr Cech.

Sanchez’s well-timed performance followed rumors in France that Chelsea was thinking of acquiring PSG goalie Gianluigi Donnarumma. After failing to come to an agreement with AC Milan for Mike Maignan, the Blues reportedly turned their attention to the Italy international, according to L’Équipe.

According to reports, Chelsea made an offer of up to €21 million for Maignan but talks broke down because of Milan’s valuation. Although no official negotiations have been confirmed, Donnarumma, whose contract with PSG expires in 2026, has now surfaced as a possible alternative. PSG is probably going to demand a much higher fee.

It wouldn’t be unusual for Chelsea to try to sign another high-profile player in goal. In 2018, the team paid £71.6 million to acquire Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao, which continues to hold the record for the costliest goalkeeper transfer in history.

But for the time being, Robert Sanchez has presented a compelling argument to maintain his position. At least temporarily, his performance in the Club World Cup final might change the club’s transfer strategy.