Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes Mike Penders shares several qualities with Thibaut Courtois and has backed the young goalkeeper to cover for injured Emi Martinez.
Penders, 21, made history as Chelsea’s youngest Premier League goalkeeper when he replaced Martinez during the second half of last weekend’s 2-0 victory at Everton. Martinez has since undergone surgery for a fractured jaw.
Courtois, widely considered among the world’s best goalkeepers, spent seven years at Chelsea between 2011 and 2018, including three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid. He also played under Alonso at Real Madrid.
“A lot (of similarities), not just for the nationality,” Alonso said of the two Belgian goalkeepers ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Tottenham.
“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 secured Penders two years ago, but he remained at Genk before spending the following season on loan at 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 received eight minutes of treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last weekend.
However, Alonso hopes the Argentine international will return within weeks. Chelsea sit fourth in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Manchester City.
“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.”
