Filip Jørgensen transfer to Chelsea: Analysing the new Blues goalkeeper

Over the past month, emerging reports suggested that Chelsea was back in the goalkeeper market after Đorđe Petrović was deemed unsuitable to Enzo Maresca's system. The possession-heavy tactical approach requires the 'keeper to be an expert with the ball at his feet - a trait the young Serbian has not yet developed. Although Robert Sánchez fits that mold, the Blues would need a second option that provides the Spaniard competition while also suiting the profile Maresca is searching for.

Chelsea's recruitment department has concluded that Villarreal's 'keeper, Filip Jørgensen, is the right man. At 22 years old, the Dane fits the age bracket in Chelsea's strategy while also being a part of the ball-playing breed of 'keepers adored by possession-oriented managers.

In this article, The Pride of London will analyze the Chelsea target and break down his performance in the different facets of a 'keeper's game.

Shot-Stopping: Suitable but room for improvement

Judging a 'keeper based on the goals conceded is an unfair performance evaluation method. Numbers can be heavily skewed depending on the team's playstyle and the quality of the defensive unit. Instead, shot-stopping performance is often measured using Post-Shot Expected Goals +/- (PSxG +/-) - a metric that compares the quality of chances against goals conceded, with a positive or negative outcome indicating over or underperformance.

Jørgensen's output of -2.2 highlights underachievement, and that figure ranks 17th in La Liga against 'keepers that recorded more than 1800 league minutes. However, this does not consider the broader context. The Villarreal No.13 faced the most shots on target and the highest PSxG in the league - making it significantly difficult to yield a positive PSxG figure.

Although this provides Jørgensen leeway, his shot-stopping is not overly convincing but still decent. When comparing his PSxG +/- output against 'keepers who faced the highest PSxG, Jørgensen's -2.2 significantly contrasts Valencia's 23-year-old Giorgi Mamardashvili produce of +10.2. However, the Georgia International faced 21.5% fewer shots than the Dane. Moreover, the remaining 'keepers produced fairly similar figures, apart from Gazzaniga (+5.1), who is also ten years older.

Nevertheless, at just 22, Jørgensen has significant scope for improvement, so it is unreasonable to be too harsh and skeptical. Furthermore, with only one season of experience in the top division, Jørgensen's potential is more valuable than his current standard.

When inspecting his match footage, Jørgensen displays many signs of encouragement. His reflexes stand out - producing many remarkable saves from close-range shots with his hands and feet. The Dane impressively pulls off strong one-handed efforts, which seems to be his signature save. He is also a very athletic player with good goalkeeping instincts.

Although he tends to parry the ball to the feet of the onrushing opposition attacker, Jørgensen has exhibited impressive recovery stops. Furthermore, the Villarreal 'keeper has showcased good anticipation of when to step out of his line to engage the opposition attackers in 1v1 situations and come out of it without conceding a goal. He is also capable of performing a sweeper 'keeper's duties, which will be crucial as Maresca attempts to implement a high defensive line.

Again, at just 22, Jørgensen is extremely young, especially for a 'keeper. Over time and with experience, he will develop. Chelsea's coaches will have a huge role as it will be their responsibility to ensure that his growth trajectory is always pointing upward.

Distribution: Picking the right pass

Arguably, the attribute most skeptical eyes will be keen on evaluating is Jørgensen's ability with the ball at his feet. In Maresca's possession-oriented system, Chelsea will aim to play through the thirds while retaining the ball - making it imperative for the 'keeper to be a competent distributor. While analyzing Jørgensen's match footage, numerous talking points come to light.

Purely in terms of the new Chelsea 'keeper's ability to pick a pass - Jørgensen is impressive. More often than not, over short and notably over medium and long-range distances, the Dane demonstrates outstanding ability in picking a teammate with an accurate pass.

This will be beneficial from a tactical perspective in two ways. If Chelsea faces a man-to-man pressing team, the 'keeper can assist the side in bypassing the first and second lines of pressure to directly find the forwards in one-versus-one situations or over the top if they are facing a high defensive line. In cases where the Blues confront hybrid out-of-possession systems, Jørgensen's passing range can unlock teams by finding the spare man.

In the Premier League, not all teams will offer 'keepers that luxury. Aggressive out-of-possession sides opt for the riskier approach of testing the opposition's on-ball ability by pressing every man, including the 'keeper. In such situations, Jørgensen will need to hold his nerve and pick the right pass, with errors proving costly. Chelsea supporters witnessed the dangers of this tactic last season against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, where the misplaced pass by Sánchez stirred the Gunners to a comeback draw in a match that the home team was comfortably controlling at 2-0.

Although Jørgensen has exhibited his aptitude for playing under pressure, there have been moments of discomfort last season. Similar to Sánchez, he is prone to the occasional misstep and so it remains to be an area of his game to be worked on.

Aerial Presence: Uncertain yet reassuring

Goalkeepers must be dominant in the air to claim crosses and limit the aerial threat of opposition teams. Otherwise, teams with tall target men-type strikers will aim to exploit this weakness by whipping crosses into the box.

Chelsea conceded 13.5 crosses on average last season, meaning that the Blues had to defend about 14 crosses every game. Although having aerially commanding defenders helps - something Chelsea has improved with the addition of Tosin Adarabioyo and with the return of Wesley Fofana - the 'keeper would also be required to assist the side as their last line of defense.

Jørgensen's performance in this regard is a difficult read. Although his cross-stopping rate of 5.2% is only the 15th-best in the league, we must consider the broader context. He faced the highest volume of crosses - 605 - 51 more than Jan Oblak, who ranks second. This considerably impacts his success rate, as it is difficult to maintain an impressive figure when facing a ridiculous number of crosses.

Therefore, though it may seem like Jørgensen's raw output is disappointing, in the broader context, it is reasonable. Furthermore, according to Total Football Analysis, the Dane actually ranked among the most aerially dominant 'keepers in La Liga.

Banking on the Hot Prospect

Jørgensen suits the modern 'keeper profile, and that is why Chelsea decided to pursue him. Although the Villarreal Academy graduate is not an exceptional player in his position at this stage of his career, at just 22, there is an encouraging scope for improvement. And that is what Chelsea is banking on. Based on the analysis, Jørgensen is a rounded 'keeper with no significant weaknesses. He has the foundations to improve and develop into a top-class player in his position.

As one of the most exciting young talents from La Liga, Jørgensen is undoubtedly a hot prospect. However, there is still a lot to prove, especially to the Chelsea supporters, who are hoping to have finally landed a player that can tie a secure knot on the No.1 spot at Stamford Bridge for years to come. For that, Jørgensen will have to break off the notch when he turns up to London City in August.