Joe Cole believes that if Chelsea want to compete with powerhouses like Liverpool, City, and Arsenal for the title and a Champions League spot, they must upgrade their goalkeeper position.
After a series of unstable performances, manager Liam Rosenior recently chose to put the Spanish goalkeeper on the bench, especially after a poor performance in the 1-2 defeat to Arsenal. This tactical adjustment has sparked a wider discussion: whether the team's existing goalkeepers are up to the level of title-contending opponents.
In an interview with Paddy Power, Cole believes Chelsea must sign a top goalkeeper to compete for titles with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.
"Sanchez is actually quite difficult to judge, he has performed well at times," Cole said. "He was recently squeezed out of the starting lineup by Phillip Jörgensen. So although Liam Rosenior says he 'doesn't have a fixed number one goalkeeper', it doesn't look like he's really sure about his main player. That's how he uses people."
The former England international then suggested that Chelsea should try to sign Trafford, who is unlikely to compete for a starting spot with Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad Stadium.
He added: \"Chelsea might have to make a move if a goalkeeper like James Trafford has a chance. Sanchez is indeed improving, but I think he can go up another level. But can he reach that level in time before Chelsea attack the Champions League and compete with teams like Arsenal and Manchester City? Liverpool have Alisson, Manchester City have Donnarumma, and Arsenal have David Raya. That's the level of goalkeeper Chelsea needs. Sanchez has a chance to reach it, but can he get there that fast?"
In the 4-1 win over Aston Villa, Rosenior took Sanchez off the starting lineup, which reflects his philosophy of "applying talent according to its capabilities". It has been reported that the Spanish goalkeeper was "very disappointed" to lose his starting position, but the coach praised his professionalism behind the scenes.
"I was very honest with Robert," Rosenior explained, "He is very disappointed that he was not able to play, which is exactly the attitude I want every player to have, whether it's a goalkeeper or an outfield player. But Rob's response in training, his support for Phillip - whether it's in the warm-up or in the locker room - has been excellent."