The Chelsea goalkeeping situation has come under the microscope in recent weeks. For a little while, it had looked like Robert Sanchez had lost his starting spot. Filip Jorgensen started against Aston Villa out of nowhere. Then, he was also backed on the big Champions League away trip to Paris.
Unfortunately, Jorgensen had a night to forget against PSG. He conceded five times and was at fault for at least a couple of them. Yes, he did pull off some good saves as well. But goalkeepers will always be remembered for their mistakes, rather than what they got right.
Unsurprisingly, Sanchez was back between the posts against Newcastle United. It was another loss for the Blues though. And in the long run, it does not feel like Liam Rosenior has a goalkeeper that he completely trusts to be the number one.
A lot of fans would like to see Chelsea go out and sign a top goalkeeper in the summer. They might have the solution to their problems right under their noses in the form of Mike Penders, who is currently out on loan. But, he seems to be dividing the opinion of the board.
Chelsea board divided over Mike Penders
According to The Chelsea Chronicle, Simon Phillips said on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that while some on the club’s board feel that Penders is ready to compete to be the No.1, others believe he needs another loan.
Penders has been touted as the next Thibaut Courtois. Just like the Real Madrid number one, the 20-year-old also came through the youth ranks of and broke through at Genk, before being signed by Chelsea.
While Courtois was sent out on loan to Atletico Madrid, Penders finds himself at Strasbourg. And he has been putting up some impressive numbers in France.
How has Penders done on loan at Strasbourg?
Most importantly, Penders has been a regular starter for Strasbourg. He has justified that status with some pretty good output as well.
I decided to take a deep dive into his numbers in Ligue 1, and Penders is certainly shaping up to be a good goalkeeper. He has conceded 31 times while facing an xGOT of 32.57.
In terms of his positional peers in Ligue 1, he is in the 86th percentile for saves with 72 and 72nd percentile for save percentage with 69.9%. He is in the 78th percentile for clean sheets and 83rd percentile for high claims. Distribution might be where he shines the most. He is in the 92nd percentile for successful passing percentage and Penders has played the most successful passes in the French top flight for a goalkeeper. Then again, there is room for improvement as well. He has made two errors leading to goal, which is the worst in the league.
So, all things considered, Penders is doing pretty well for someone who is still just 20 years old. Goalkeepers get better with age. That being said, is he ready to be Chelsea’s number one? That is a complicated question. He is certainly good enough to be the cover option, I can say that for sure.
