Former Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon believes Mike Penders has what it takes to be a real success at Stamford Bridge.
The 20-year-old was signed from Genk two years ago, but having stayed with the Belgian side and then spending last season on loan with Strasbourg, the young keeper has yet to make his Chelsea debut.
That is expected to change in the upcoming campaign though with Penders set to rival Robert Sanchez for the Blues' number one jersey.
The incoming Xabi Alonso needs to reinforce several areas but the goalkeeping department might not be one as he seems keen to give Penders a chance to impress.
And judging by Lollichon's recent comments, it shouldn't take the 20-year-old long to establish himself in the Premier League.
Christophe Lollichon tips Mike Penders to become Chelsea great
Having worked extensively with some of the best goalkeepers in the world, including Thibaut Courtois, Lollichon — a key figure during the Roman Abramohvic era — knows a thing or two about what it takes to guard the Stamford Bridge net.
Speaking to the NY Times about the up and coming Penders, Lollichon said: “He has very good potential. He’s another guy from the Belgium school, like Courtois, like Koen Casteels, I spoke with Penders when Dunkirk played Strasbourg in the French Cup. I liked the conversation we had.
“He’s very clever. I saw a mature goalkeeper. He has to improve with his feet, but at 20 years old, he’s very good. He has good positioning, he’s proactive and he wants to learn.
“I felt this attitude in our conversation. He asked me about the Premier League. We spoke for just 20 minutes but it was very interesting. This guy could be the next good one in Chelsea, because for a long time now the goalkeeper position is poor in Chelsea.”
High praise from a coach so highly regarded in the game, and a name Chelsea are very familiar with.
Penders will have plenty of chances under Xabi Alonso
Although Sanchez has remained the Blues' first choice keeper since he joined from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2023, there are fears he won't be able to play to Alonso's system.
And should that prove to be the case, Penders, who kept eight clean sheets in Ligue 33 appearances last season, will be waiting in the wings and ready to take his chance.
The shot stopper might not have experience in England's top flight, but he's definitely showing real potential and his inclusion in Belgium's 26-man World Cup squad demonstrates just how highly he's rated.
Chelsea's first match of the 2026-27 season will be an away trip to Fulham on August 24, and because of the competition Penders now offers Sanchez, it's going to be very interesting to see which keeper Alonso puts his trust in.
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