Mike Penders explains the main difference he noticed about Chelsea training in the summer

It sounds like Mike Penders was super impressed by the Chelsea players after spending a few weeks with them during the summer.

Highly rated goalkeeper Mike Penders, 20, officially completed his permanent move from Genk to Chelsea this summer.

The Belgian shot-stopper immediately went into Enzo Maresca’s group to be part of their squad at the Club World Cup. Even though he didn’t get on the pitch, the youngster received a medal and had his first taste of working with the Blues.

Penders did end up exiting Stamford Bridge this summer to continue his development at sister club Strasbourg in the French top division, where he’s made a very positive start.

Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders warms up before the Club World Cup fixture against Esperance de Tunis.
Photo by Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Mike Penders noticed the difference in shooting during Chelsea training

Penders admits he noticed a difference in the quality and power of the shooting during his training sessions with the Blues.

When asked what his summer was like with Chelsea, Penders told Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg this week: “You immediately feel the level is higher. Especially in terms of pace and shots on target: much more precise, much harder.

“It’s normal to have to get used to that level in the beginning; the first week, the balls were difficult to catch. On the other hand, if I’d caught them all from the start, I wouldn’t have been playing for Genk. I mainly see it as a reason to push harder and improve.”

Chelsea’s belief in Penders is that he’s well on the path to becoming one of the world’s best goalkeepers in future years.

The 20-year-old gloveman looks the complete package with his frame and reflexes, plus he’s extremely composed in possession of the football. But like he mentions, it will be another step up when he breaks into the first team in West London.

Hopefully, Chelsea beating Paris Saint-Germain to sign Penders will prove to be a key moment in history.

Chelsea goalkeeper makes a save during a training session before the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Photo by Elsa – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Mike Penders off to a flyer with Strasbourg

Penders, who was recently watched by Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbalu, looks excellent in net for French outfit.

Competition Appearances Goals conceded Clean sheets
Ligue 1 6 7 3
Conference League qualifiers 2 2 1
Conference League 1 1 0
Mike Penders for Strasbourg across all competitions in the 2025-26 season

So far this campaign, he’s already made a catalogue of remarkable saves for his loan club. We agree that it feels inevitable he’s on an upwards trajectory to the highest level as well.

With Chelsea goalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen both still trying to prove themselves, perhaps Penders could be playing for the club sooner than people expect.



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