Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders could be Chelsea’s first and second-choice goalkeepers next season.
Sanchez is currently the No.1 at Stamford Bridge, but after his latest gaffe against Arsenal, some will be hoping for that to change.
In fact, Chelsea fans are already calling for Sanchez to be replaced, with Penders being a potential option to take over if Liam Rosenior decides to make a change.
Who deserves the blame for Liam Rosenior’s first Premier League defeat?
Rosenior? Pedro Neto? Robert Sanchez?
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Chelsea starter Robert Sanchez and Strasbourg loanee Mike Penders have same save percentage
Chelsea rate Penders extremely highly. At some point, you would expect him to replace Sanchez in goal and become the club’s No.1. However, in terms of shot-stopping, the Belgian would not be an upgrade on Sanchez right now.
This season, their save percentages have been identical. According to FBref, Sanchez is saving 69.6% of shots that he is facing in the Premier League, while Penders is doing exactly the same in Ligue 1.
Mike Penders of Strasbourg
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
At 20, Penders is eight years Sanchez’s junior. The Strasbourg loanee is also yet to play in English football’s top flight.
Chelsea’s model under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital has been centred on recruiting and utilising young players with potential, but the goalkeeper position is one that often needs experience. Therefore, the club may not be in a hurry to replace Sanchez with Penders.
However, after his concerning performance against Arsenal, it is something that a lot of supporters would probably not mind seeing. Sanchez’s role in the Gunners’ winner was not the only issue last Sunday.
What would you do with Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders?
Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders save percentage
Credit: Andrew Kearns/CameraSport/Valentine CHAPUIS/AFP via Getty Images
Sanchez’s passing was poor from the get-go and really set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
After the game, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was very critical of Sanchez, claiming that he has his heart in his mouth whenever he watches the Spaniard play.
Sanchez will get the chance to bounce back when Chelsea face Aston Villa on Wednesday night. Fail to, and the writing could be on the wall for the former Brighton & Hove Albion man, if it is not already.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox