“We have hit a point…” – Chelsea starter explains why team’s defence has gone to next level

We can’t wait to see Chelsea back in action tomorrow – the Blues have battled back from a bad moment and have a huge chance to consolidate that when they face Aston Villa.

Key to that game will be keeping a clean sheet, and before the game goalkeeper Robert Sanchez spoke to the club’s official website about how he and his defenders had improved the side defensively.

Sanchez on Chelsea’s improved back 5

Robert Sanchez in action against Bournemouth. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“Me and the four at the back, whoever plays, have all got to a point where we all understand each other, our weaknesses and our strengths, and we play to help each other out to have the best performance possible,” Sanchez explained.

“We have hit a point where we have become very consistent. There is always space to improve even more, which we know we can, but we are doing our best every game.

“We know if we keep a clean sheet that secures the team a point, and then the guys at the top will get us three. We need to make sure we keep a clean sheet because that will make the work of the rest of the guys easier.”

Sanchez has been the consistent ever present in that back 5 over the last two years, along with Marc Cucurella. Now that Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah have been able to settle into the middle, we’ve seen a big improvement overall. Tomorrow will be an even bigger test for them.

In other news…

Reece James has had a week off and will likely play a key role tomorrow, possibly in midfield. He spoke to the club’s official website about a player he looked up to.

Enzo Maresca showered James with praise in his press conference today and noted that the full back was among the world’s best.