WHAT A GREAT SPANISH KEEPER (NO, NOT THAT ONE)
Potter hails Sanchez for monster of a performance to foil Clarets
BURNLEY 1 Gudmundsson 53 BRIGHTON 1 Dunk 36
GRAHAM POTTER described Robert Sanchez as a “monster” after a fine display helped earn his Seagulls a point.
The Brighton boss believes the Spaniard, at 23 still at nursery in goalkeeping terms, has what it takes for success.
And on the evidence of his display repelling the persistent physical challenge of a spirited Burnley on a rainswept afternoon, he may be right.
“He’s a monster with his physicality,” said Potter. “He’s not just big but he’s powerful, he’s fast and in terms of attributes he’s got everything to be a top goalkeeper.”
Sanchez, who spent time on loan at Forest Green Rovers and Rochdale, says David De Gea was his role model when he was making his way.
There are clearly worse examples for the 6ft 5in youngster to follow. But it is safe to assume willingness to put his body on the line was there already before he looked the Manchester United goalkeeper for finishing touches.
As De Gea ended a bad night against Everton by ducking a challenge which threatened to be painful but would have secured the points for United, earlier that day Sanchez had repeatedly stood up to Burnley.
Superb stops from Erik Pieters, Ashley Barnes and, particularly a point-blank save from Matej Vydra allowed Brighton to hold on to a point. But it was as much his aerial bravery that impressed – catching with authority despite prospects of rough landings that stood out.
Potter said: “What we have to do now is help and support him. He made some good saves and aerially he helped us out against Burnley in challenges in the box.
“It was another step forward in his development but still has a lot to do and a lot of experience to gather.”
Sanchez’s development looks in safe hands with Potter and Brighton’s Premier League surto vival likewise. It would be a huge surprise if either of these teams were sucked into real trouble on this evidence, with Burnley eight points clear of Fulham and Brighton 10.
The visitors enjoyed the better of a first half in which Lewis Dunk’s powerful header from Pascal Gross’s corner on 36 minutes put them ahead. But, with Albion fading slightly three days after downing Liverpool at Anfield, Burnley came back powerfully, equalising through Johann Gudmundsson.
Vydra gave the Clarets a welcome and skilful foil to Ashley Barnes’s physical presence up front but there were other good performances.
Gudmundsson and Matt Lowton were excellent linking on the right flank.
Brighton needed a brilliant block from Dunk on Barnes to keep things level.
Potter has had a good week with wins against Tottenham and Liverpool and a point here, but an FA Cup clash with Leicester on Wednesday might stretch Albion.
“We’re looking forward to it but will have to think about the squad as well,” he said. “There’s a chance we’ll make changes because the schedule is just so demanding.”