In January 2017, Brighton’s B team faced off against Coventry in the Checkatrade Trophy, drawing a modest crowd of 2,000 at the Ricoh Arena. Manning the goalposts for Brighton was a young 19-year-old Robert Sanchez, while 32-year-old Liam Rosenior took his place in the defense.

For Rosenior, this wasn’t the highlight of his career. By half-time, he made way for a then-19-year-old Ben White, who would later rise to the ranks of England internationals. Brighton, trailing 1-0 at the break, ultimately succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against the eventual tournament winners.

This match, however, laid the groundwork for an intriguing narrative. Fast forward nine years, and Sanchez, who transferred to Chelsea for £25 million, would find himself under the guidance of his former teammate, Rosenior, now serving as his ‘gaffer’.

Rosenior reminisces, “I trained with Rob and coached him during his time with Brighton’s Under-23s. We always saw his potential. When I took on this role, I told him, ‘I’m so proud of you.’ Witnessing his journey and progression has been incredible.”

He continues, “Rob has two children now. I remember him at 17, just a kid concerned about passing his driving test. Our connection is strong, and it’s amazing to think about how much more he can achieve, even though he’s already performing at such a high level.”

Liam Rosenior encountered Robert Sanchez at Brighton and Coventry before managing him

Rosenior also coached Sanchez for around a year after retiring time with the Seagulls in 2018

Today, Sanchez is embedded in Chelsea’s main squad, a testament to how the role of goalkeepers has evolved. No longer confined to a secluded corner of the training ground, they now integrate seamlessly with outfield players, reflecting a modern approach at Cobham.

Rosenior considers it crucial because the 28-year-old Spaniard is central to how Chelsea build from the back. ‘It’s my belief to get them involved because it’s an important part, for me, of the game,’ Rosenior added when we asked him.

Sanchez had his critics last season when Opta’s statistics said no goalkeeper made more mistakes leading to both goals and shots. Conventional wisdom suggested Chelsea should have been targeting someone new, but they resisted listening to the thousands advising them on social media.

This season, not a single goal conceded in the Premier League has been attributed to a Sanchez blunder. Save for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg versus Arsenal – when he flapped at two balls into the box – a sense of security has accompanied his presence in goal.

Chelsea have high confidence in Sanchez, though do have a decision to make on their goalkeeper set-up this summer. Mike Penders is on a season-long loan at Chelsea’s sister side Strasbourg, where he played a key role under Rosenior before his switch from one BlueCo club to the other.

The view from sources inside Chelsea is that Penders’ potential is ‘absolutely elite’. He is 20 years old, 6ft 7in, excellent with his left foot, and was signed from Genk – the same Belgian club from whom Chelsea bought Thibaut Courtois. 

Penders appeared 25 times for Genk in 2024-25, and it is hoped he will finish 2025-26 with 40 starts for Strasbourg at least, fitness permitting.

Courtois, who was also 6ft 7in and a left footer, spent three seasons on loan with Atletico Madrid after Chelsea signed him from Genk in 2011. 

Sanchez has responded to criticism of his game and has been crucial for Chelsea this season

Mike Penders – on loan at Chelsea’s sister side Strasbourg – is being touted as ‘absolutely elite’

Rosenior and the club’s recruiters will evaluate closer to this summer whether Penders is experienced enough to come in or if another loan is required. Daily Mail Sport has been told Penders was a big reason why the club never committed to signing a new goalkeeper, such as AC Milan’s Mike Maignan.

Sanchez’s back-up, Filip Jorgensen, has a minor injury which will see him miss this Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace. Scans on what was believed to be an abdominal issue were positive, however. He may be available again in time for Napoli in the Champions League this Wednesday.

In the meantime, Rosenior will focus on trying to get the best out of Sanchez. He is up there with the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League, but it is his passing ability which has been scrutinised, with it no secret that Chelsea favour playing from the back.

‘You always play to a player’s strengths, whether it’s the goalkeeper or your No 9,’ Rosenior summed up. ‘You want them to be comfortable. Rob has already shown me fantastic things.

‘His distribution against Brentford was outstanding – a couple of long passes to Pedro Neto which we nearly scored from. You always want to improve every player. That’s sometimes not even speaking about weaknesses – it can be making their strengths even better.’