Back in January 2017, Brighton’s B team faced off against Coventry in the Checkatrade Trophy. The scene was set at the Ricoh Arena, with a turnout of about two thousand fans. Among the young talents on the field was a 19-year-old goalkeeper named Robert Sanchez, and in the defensive line was Liam Rosenior, then 32 years old.

For Rosenior, this match might not have stood out as a highlight in his career. He was subbed out at halftime, making way for a young Ben White, who was only 19 at the time but would later become an England international. Brighton was down 1-0 at that point and ultimately succumbed to a 3-0 loss against Coventry, who would go on to win the competition.

This match, however, holds a special narrative twist. Sanchez, once a budding talent on Brighton’s squad, would eventually make a high-profile transfer to Chelsea for £25 million. Years later, he would find himself calling Rosenior his manager.

Reflecting on their shared history, Rosenior remarked, “I trained with Rob, and I coached him with Brighton’s Under-23s. We recognized his potential early on. When I joined, I told him, ‘I’m so proud of you.’ Seeing his career unfold at this club is remarkable.”

Rosenior has seen Sanchez grow not just as a player but also personally. “He has two children now. I remember him as a 17-year-old, excitedly talking about passing his driving test. We have a strong connection. The exciting part is knowing how much more he can achieve even though he is already playing at a very 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

Nowadays, Sanchez is training with Chelsea’s main squad, marking a shift from the old days when goalkeepers would train in isolation from outfield players, confined to a distant corner of the training ground at Cobham with their dedicated coach.

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.’