"You don't hear his name too much because he isn't flashy" - Joe Cole backs Chelsea star to push for a start over Blues teammate
Pundit Joe Cole has backed Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen to upend teammate Robert Sanchez as the club's starting choice between the sticks. The Denmark U-21 international kept a clean sheet, his third this season against Heidenheim in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The Blues claimed a 2-0 victory over the Bundesliga outfit in Germany on Thursday, November 28.
As per usual, Enzo Maresca fielded a second-string Blues side to face Heidenheim in their Matchday 4 clash in the Europa Conference League. Summer signing Jorgensen started in goal while the coach rested Sanchez for the clash, and the former Villarreal man was impressive for the Blues.
Jorgensen's performance was noticed by many, and former Chelsea star Joe Cole lauded the 22-year-old for his display. He said on TNT Sports that the Dane will be pushing for a start at the expense of the often shaky Sanchez.
"Filip Jorgensen was good in goal tonight. You don't hear his name too much because he isn't flashy. He has faced a lot of shots and he has produced moments. He will be pushing for a start over Robert Sanchez," Cole said (via Chels_HQ)
Jorgensen registered 11 saves against Heidenheim, including seven from inside his box, and made 14 ball recoveries to earn his side a clean sheet away from home. The shot-stopper completed 84% of his passes and prevented an accumulated xG of 2.18 from Heidenheim in the game.
Filip Jorgensen is in direct competition with Sanchez, who has played all 12 of the club's games in the Premier League this season, keeping two clean sheets. He will hope he has done enough to impress Maresca and earn a run of games in the league.
Chelsea secure Conference League knockout spot following win over Heidenheim
Chelsea have secured their place in the knockout rounds of the UEFA Europa Conference League after their 2-0 win over Bundesliga outfit Heidenheim. The Blues emerged with all three points, claiming a fourth successive win in the competition.
Following a drab first half, the game came alive in the 51st minute. Jadon Sancho marked his return to the XI by setting up Christopher Nkunku to score his 11th goal of the season. The loanee from Manchester United was on hand in the 86th minute to tee up Mykhailo Mudryk, who scored his third goal of the competition to seal the win.
It was not all plain sailing for Chelsea, who lost midfielder Cesare Casadei to a second booking in the closing moments of the encounter. Their win puts them clear atop the standings and has assured them of a place in the Round of 32 playoffs, at least. They need a point or two from their last two games of the group stage to secure direct qualification to the last 16.
