Xabi Alonso has revealed that Thibaut Courtois sees himself in Chelsea's young goalkeeper Mike Penders, who is set to make his full Premier League debut against Tottenham on Saturday evening.
The Blues signed Penders for £17 million in 2024, but he had to wait until this season to make his debut for the club in the Carabao Cup. Last week, he came off the bench in the Premier League against Everton after Emiliano Martinez broke his jaw and was stretchered off in sickening scenes.
With Martinez ruled out for several weeks, all eyes will be on the 21-year-old Penders over the next few games, starting with the London derby against fierce rivals Tottenham.
Courtois Comparison
Penders is regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world and has been tipped to succeed Courtois as Belgium's No.1 ahead of Manchester United's Senne Lammens.
Alonso worked with Courtois at Real Madrid last season and has revealed he sought out the former Chelsea star and two-time Premier League champion when looking for information on Penders.
Asked in his pre-match press conference if he saw similarities between the two Belgium keepers, Alonso replied: 'A lot.
'There are a lot, not just for the nationality, for the stature. Both left-footed, both dominant on the air.
'I spoke with Thibaut as well when he was in the World Cup, asking about Mike and he even said himself that he could see resemblances with Mike. We need to help him, support him, but for sure he's a keeper for present and for the future.
Ready for the Challenge
Alonso expressed confidence in Penders' readiness for the upcoming challenge.
'He's ready. He's been training well. He's played a couple of cup games where he showed that he has a good level, even the day when he came on against Everton, in a few minutes he showed his personality, his qualities.
'That's why we have a squad to be ready for these kinds of situations and we are fully convinced that Mike can play very well.'
Veteran keeper Martinez signed from Aston Villa over the summer and there is an expectation that he will be Chelsea's No.1 for a couple of seasons until Penders is deemed ready to take his place.
'We wanted to have the best possible options and once we decided that we would go for Emi, I think we have a good balance,' Alonso added.
'I think Mike is our keeper for now and for the future. Having the support, learning with an experienced goalkeeper like Emi, he's having a great impact on the team and on Mike and looking forward to the next game. We are happy with his preparation.'
