Jamie Carragher believes Chelsea must replace one player if they want to return to Premier League glory.
Enzo Maresca’s side qualified for the Champions League on the final day of last season and have made several reinforcements to back their upcoming campaign. So far, the Blues have completed more than 20 transfers this summer, with high-profile signings and departures approved.
While that gives Chelsea a strong chance to win the domestic title, especially following their FIFA Club World Cup success, Carragher has suggested there is still one key element missing.
“Man United started winning league titles after they signed Peter Schmeichel,” Carragher said on The Overlap.
“I think of Everton as a kid and Neville Southall. Man City changed the ‘keeper and started winning the league. We brought in Alisson and started winning the league. Chelsea started winning the league when they signed Petr Cech.
“That’s why Chelsea can’t win the league. No matter what Chelsea do, or how much they spend, they can’t win the league because they haven’t got a goalkeeper to win the league.”
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes agreed with Carragher, adding: “I don’t think enough is mentioned about goalkeepers.
“Look at the best team last year, they had the best goalkeeper in the world. Ederson worries me for Man City and I’m not sure James Trafford is the answer.
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“I know ball-playing is a big part of it these days, but I think that it’s still secondary, you still need to be a presence in the goal. I look at Alisson and I’m not sure how to score past him, I don’t think that with any other goalkeeper in the Premier League.
“When I look at Chelsea, I think about what you did in the Club World Cup – everyone wanted to win it…”
Scholes added: “Real Madrid really wanted to win, PSG did, and so did Manchester City, all those that we class as the best teams. So I do think it’s a big thing and it will help build a connection between Enzo Maresca and Chelsea supporters, which wasn’t really there last season.
“I’m not sure it’ll push Chelsea any closer to the title, though. When Chelsea do business, over the last couple of years, it feels like a lot of players are changing without anyone really lifting the level.
“I know Cole Palmer has been amazing, but all your wingers feel the same… A perfect example is [Jamie] Gittens coming in and Madueke leaving – there is no elevation, and I see that with a lot of positions at Chelsea.”
