The Chelsea goalkeepers have really struggled to hold fort this season, as both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen fumbled in some crucial games this campaign. Those have cost the Blues heavily alongside other shortcomings all across the pitch.
The club management is now expected to make a critical evaluation of their problems between the posts in accordance with their newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso. Could we see a new number one in place next season?
Prior to the Spaniard’s appointment, the Blues were reportedly interested in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. They are now being linked with him again. Although the club might make a slight adjustment to their plans.
Chelsea looking to bring back Mike Penders
Various reports are now suggesting that the Blues could bring back Mike Penders from RC Strasbourg this summer. He spent a very successful season on loan at the French club.
And as things stand, Alonso could well prefer Penders over the struggling Sanchez next season. A few stats are currently in favour of the Belgian shot stopper and fit what the Spaniard likes in his goalkeepers.
One key element of Alonso’s gameplay is the ability to build from the back with close passing networks. A goalkeeper’s ball distribution abilities are crucial in these systems. That’s where someone like Penders comes in.
Why Penders could start ahead of Sanchez next season
The 20-year-old has done exceptionally well with the ball at his feet during this season playing in Ligue 1. His ball distribution stats certainly speak for themselves.
Penders has recorded a passing accuracy of 86.1% in the French league this season. He also played 45.1% accurate long balls. In comparison, Sanchez has put up 66.8% and 31.8% in the same parameters, respectively.
Although these stats are considered secondary for a goalkeeper. But Penders is seemingly ahead of his Chelsea compatriot in other departments as well. He has recorded a 69.7% save percentage, whereas the Blues’ number one has 67.4% so far, with the final game of the season yet to be played in the Premier League.
Penders has the time and opportunity to become a starter at Chelsea
But if you look closely at the stats, Penders has seemingly cost his side three times this season, committing silly mistakes. Of course, Sanchez has had his fair share of howlers during his time at Chelsea as well.
But for a goalkeeper of Penders’ age, he is only expected to learn from his past and improve with regular gametime. On the other hand, Sanchez’s game seems to be built on confidence. On his day, he is world-class. But on others, it feels like he could make a mistake at any time and cost the team.
As a result, it could all depend on Alonso, who is all set to take charge this summer. Although the starting goalkeeper will definitely be decided during pre-season, as things stand, Jorgensen’s future at Stamford Bridge could come to an end after this campaign.
