Chelsea’s long-term plan of signing some of the best young players around the world is finally bearing obvious results on the pitch at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca finally has a number of those big-money signings ready to compete in the Premier League, with Estevao Willian taking every chance he has been given so far.
Estevao is being tipped to start against Barcelona in the Champions League tonight, allowing him the chance to prove himself up against Lamine Yamal.
With Andrey Santos also making his presence known in the first team squad, it is clearly an exciting time for some of those players signed months in advance by the club.
Estevao Willian warms up before Chelsea against Ajax in the Champions League.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
One player the club have high hopes for is Mike Penders, who is currently on loan at BlueCo partner club Strasbourg.
Chelsea fans have been impressed by Penders, and mentioned his name upon reports that Filip Jorgensen was looking to leave the Blues in January.
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However, Ben Jacobs believes that Chelsea have faith that the young Belgian will be competing for a starting spot next season, and don’t want to hurt his growth by making him the back-up to Robert Sanchez for the rest of the campaign.
He said to Football Terrace Xtra: “It’s really easy to say that they’re just going to bring back Penders, and allow Jorgensen to go, but Penders is playing every single week for Strasbourg. His development is on track. If they brought him back, Sanchez would likely still be the number one, and that could stifle his growth.
“With Penders, I would say very clearly that Chelsea think he’s close to being ready for Premier League football, and there was that belief when they signed him.
“I expect Mike Penders to challenge Sanchez for the number one. When Chelsea are debating their goalkeepers for Summer 2026, it won’t just be about Sanchez. It will be about can Penders assume the number one, and this is why I think Chelsea will be very cautious about recalling him.
“By the summer, I expect him to be in the conversation to be Chelsea’s number one.”
Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders with head down
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Chelsea’s high hopes for Penders
Behdad Eghbali has personally attended Penders’ games at times this season, with the club likely very pleased with their addition.
There have been comparisons between the youngster and fellow Belgian Thibaut Courtois, and his height and stature between the sticks play a key part in that.
Chelsea expect Penders to be close to his best in three years’ time, where at that point he will almost certainly be the number one in West London.
However, there is a chance that goal is achieved way before then, and it looks like he is in genuine contention as soon as next season.