Graham Potter has a number of difficult problems to solve regarding his Chelsea team. The Blues attacking output since his arrival has mostly been poor, while the decision of who to select in midfield and how to sort the future of that position with Jorginho and N'Golo Kante out of contract at the end of the season, remains a priority.
The latest issue to emerge involves the goalkeeping situation with Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga both featuring since Potter joined Chelsea in September. The latter has been the regular starter after Mendy picked up an injury as Potter arrived from Brighton and his fantastic performances kept him in the team even after the Senegalese shot-stopper returned from injury.
Mendy did return to the team though after Kepa picked up an injury in the embarrassing defeat to Brighton, with Mendy going on to play Chelsea's remaining four fixtures before the World Cup break.
READ MORE: Graham Potter dealt huge £52m curveball as Christian Pulisic gives Chelsea transfer ultimatum
The six-week pause of the domestic season will undoubtedly be of use to Potter as he figures out which goalkeeper he wants to be his number one choice or perhaps decides that neither have earnt the starting place and he will instead head into the market in search of a new 'keeper.
Everton's Jordan Pickford has been the name receiving the most attention around a possible acquisition between the sticks for Chelsea, but former goalkeeper David James believes if Pickford does seek other opportunities away from Goodison Park, it should not be at Chelsea.
“Kepa has shown that he’s capable of being a top player in a top team, James told GGRecon. "Why not Manchester United? Jordan Pickford plays for Everton and Manchester United are just down the road. If he went there, his off-field disruption would be minimal compared to whether he moved down to London."
Pickford is currently in Qatar with England at the 2022 World Cup and has been solid for the Three Lions thus far. Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal and Nick Pope of Newcastle are pushing for a start. While the Everton star holds the number one jersey, James has suggested a move to a bigger club, similarly to the move Ramsdale made from Sheffield United to Arsenal in 2020, could help Pickford keep his starting place for his country.
“I think Aaron Ramsdale has proven that the quality of the team around you will influence the quality of your performances," James said.
“He’s a potential number-one for his country because he’s playing for a much better side. Jordan Pickford, when he’s playing for England, plays how he would if he played for a big side in the Premier League.
"It’s a no-brainer for me that he’s good enough to play for a team such as Chelsea or Manchester City. He’s shown he has the capabilities to play for a huge club such as those as he can do it for England."
READ NEXT:
Thiago Silva inspires World Cup and Brazil trend as forgotten Chelsea loanee appears in thriller
Graham Potter has £90m Chelsea duo boost to complete ideal Reece James Abu Dhabi plan
Hakim Ziyech and five other players who could leave Chelsea in the January transfer window
Chelsea handed Cristiano Ronaldo warning by Lionel Messi amid huge £186m contract offer
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
