Mike Penders don tell Xabi Alonso say im ready to battle Robert Sanchez for di number one spot for Chelsea. Di 20-year-old goalkeeper, wey Chelsea sign from Genk for £17m for August 2024, want make good impression for World Cup before im go report for pre-season training.
Penders catch eye well well while im dey on loan for Strasbourg last term, and im don become one of di most promising young shot-stoppers for Europe. Di Belgian, wey never play senior match for im national team, start every game except one for Ligue 1, and im keep eight clean sheets. Im also help Strasbourg, wey BlueCo own, reach semi-finals of UEFA Conference League.
Penders play key role for di second leg of di quarter-final, with plenty top saves to keep Gary O’Neil side for di tie. Di Chelsea goalkeeper, wey still get six years left for im contract for Stamford Bridge, earn place for Roberto Martinez squad because of im impressive performances.
Speaking to Dutch outlet Voetbalkrant, Penders talk about di call-up. As Sport Witness quote am, im say: ‘Did I know beforehand? No, not at all. When di national coach call my name, I cheer for a moment. My family for home also dey incredibly happy; we call each other immediately. Because di competition from fellow goalkeepers really tough. Dem all get incredible season; e no easy for di coach to make decision.’
Shortly after World Cup, Penders go start pre-season with Chelsea. Last year, im work closely with Enzo Maresca for Club World Cup, but dis summer, im go report to Xabi Alonso. When dem ask am about im future, Penders say: ‘I dey start pre-season at Chelsea and go try prove myself for training. Hopefully, I stay injury-free and fit prove myself. Anything dey possible, but I dey start at Chelsea and go do my best to achieve my goal. I ready? Definitely, but first I want focus on dis World Cup. After dat, we go see.’
Senior figures for Stamford Bridge believe Penders get potential to become di long-term number one. But until Alonso get chance to see di Belgian and Robert Sanchez well, e remain to see who go be number one next season. For meantime, Penders hope to showcase im best self for World Cup. Belgium go start on Monday night when dem face Egypt for Seattle Stadium.
