Ben Foster, the former goalkeeper for Manchester United, Watford, and England, has suggested that Chelsea should consider Aaron Ramsdale as a potential replacement for Robert Sanchez. The Spaniard has faced a challenging season at Stamford Bridge, losing his starting role to Filip Jorgensen in February due to a series of costly mistakes.
Foster, speaking on the Ben Foster – The Cycling GK podcast, stated that Ramsdale would be a clear upgrade over Sanchez. “I would take Ramsdale if I were Chelsea,” Foster said. “He needs a stable, solid Premier League team, and Chelsea could offer that. With the right environment, he could perform at the top level for another decade.”
Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation has been complicated, with the club’s most consistent performer this season actually being Kepa Arrizabalaga, currently on loan at Bournemouth. Foster praised Kepa’s performances with the Cherries, noting that he might not return to Chelsea if Bournemouth signs him permanently. “Kepa’s been excellent at Bournemouth. Whether he stays there or not, there’s a lot of uncertainty about the summer,” Foster added.
Despite his shot-stopping abilities, Foster critiqued Sanchez for his struggles under pressure. “It’s not just about making great saves; it’s about staying calm in high-stakes moments,” Foster explained. “Sanchez seems to tense up, and that’s where mistakes happen.”
The key to improvement for goalkeepers, according to Foster, is mental composure. “You can’t afford to panic or rush your decisions, especially in critical moments. Goalkeepers often get better with age because their mental game improves, not necessarily their physical abilities,” he said.
Foster believes that both Sanchez and Andre Onana, who also has a tendency to panic in key situations, would benefit from calming down and trusting their natural abilities rather than overcomplicating their play.