It is fantastic news for Chelsea that their youngster Mike Penders is playing at a high level, and the on-loan Strasbourg star was just involved in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea-owned goalkeeper Mike Penders, 20, joined sister club Strasbourg on a season-long loan in the summer.
At the moment, Liam Rosenior’s Strasbourg side sit second in the Ligue 1 table. The French outfit are competing in this season’s Conference League competition, too.
On Friday night, PSG came from behind in the 3-3 draw at home to Strasbourg in a Ligue 1 classic.
Penders, who’s kept four clean sheets in 10 appearances across all competitions this season, was kept very busy against PSG. Even though his mistimed challenge led to a penalty, the 20-year-old shot-stopper enjoyed some impressive moments between the sticks.
Chelsea are convinced Penders can be their future number one because the Belgian talent has so much potential.
Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders playing against Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.
Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
It was a mixed bag for Penders against PSG, conceding three times but making some strong saves as well. Like always, he showed a composure and quality with the ball at his feet that makes him stand out as a modern keeper.
Here is a look at how some French publications reacted to the Chelsea loanee’s display.
Foot Mercato posted: “Mike Penders (4.5/10): Crucified in the 5th minute by Bradley Barcola, the young 20-year-old Belgian goalkeeper could do nothing to stop PSG’s opening goal (1-0). He recovered well in the 22nd minute by pushing away a long-range shot from the same Bradley Barcola. Little used after that, he held out for a long time against Parisian pressure, before making a big mistake: a poorly controlled exit on Desire Dou, resulting in a penalty converted by Goncalo Ramos (2-3, 56th). Booked for the action, Mike Penders redeemed himself in the 70th minute by saving his team from a close-range shot from Ramos. Senny Mayulu equalized in the 79th minute after an initial save from Mike Penders (3-3).”
Elsewhere, Maxifoot wrote: “Mike Penders (4/10): Called upon from the start for a vicious strike from Desire Doue, then beaten a few minutes later by Bradley Barcola, the goalkeeper then made several important saves. He protected his goal well for a long time, but he conceded a penalty by bringing down Desire Doue in his area, before being beaten by Goncalo Ramos. Unlucky on the third Parisian goal, he stopped the first attempt from Senny Mayulu who saw the ball come back to him to score.”
Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders gives away a penalty against Paris Saint-Germain in the Ligue 1 match.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Mike Penders stats vs PSG
Although he conceded three goals against French giants PSG, Penders still had some decent individual stats in his latest league display via FOTMOB:
Minutes played – 90
Goals conceded – 3
Saves – 6
Conceded penalty – 1
Accurate passes – 21/30 (70%)
Touches – 38
Match rating – 6.5
The gloveman is making mistakes but developing into one of the most exciting young goalkeepers in Europe right now. It will be intriguing to see if Chelsea decide he’s ready to come into their first team for the 2026-27 season.
There are definitely still question marks from Blues supporters regarding current keepers Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, so they should be aware of emerging talent Penders.