Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso sees similarities to Thibaut Courtois in Mike Penders as he backed the goalkeeper to step into the void left by Emi Martinez’s injury.
The 21-year-old Penders became the Blues’ youngest Premier League keeper when the Belgian replaced Martinez, who has undergone surgery on a fractured jaw, during the second half of last weekend’s 2-0 win away at Everton.
Widely regarded as one of the best keepers in the world, Real Madrid’s Courtois was a Chelsea player for a seven-year spell between 2011 and 2018, although he spent the first three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid.
Courtois also worked under Alonso during his spell in charge of Spanish giants Real Madrid.
“A lot (of similarities), not just for the nationality,” said Alonso of the Belgian duo of Courtois and Penders ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Tottenham on Saturday.
“For the stature, both left-footed, both dominant in the air. I spoke with Thibaut when he was at the World Cup, I asked him about Mike. He said himself he could see a resemblance.
“We need to help him, support him. He’s a keeper for the present and for the future.”
Chelsea agreed a deal to sign Penders two years ago but he spent the past two seasons at his previous club Genk and then on loan at Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg.
“He’s ready,” added Alonso. “He’s been training well, he’s played a couple of cup games, he’s shown he has a good level.
“When he came on against Everton, he showed his personality, his qualities. We are fully convinced that Mike can play very well.”
Martinez required eight minutes of treatment on the pitch before he was carried off at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last weekend.
But Alonso, whose side are fourth in the Premier League and eight points behind leaders Manchester City, is hopeful the Argentina number one will not be sidelined for long.
“Few weeks, hopefully less than more,” said Alonso. “The good thing is he’s feeling better. We need to listen to his feelings, the opinions of the doctors and specialists.
“Considering that it was a bad one (injury), he’s doing good.”
AFP
Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.