Mike Penders’ rise at Strasbourg closely watched by Rosenior at Chelsea | OneFootball

After a rocky start, Strasbourg’s on-loan goalkeeper Mike Penders has adapted to Ligue 1 and a central role, with Lens visiting on Friday at 20:45 in the 24th round.

He arrived last summer from Chelsea, with both clubs under BlueCo ownership, and faced suspicion as Robin Risser moved on, as happened with Djordje Petrovic. According to L'Équipe, Liam Rosenior has monitored him from Chelsea and could look to rely on Penders as soon as next season.

Shoulder and thigh injuries slowed him, while Rosenior’s game model used the keeper as an extra outfield player. Goalkeeping coach Sébastien Gimenez says Penders embraced it quickly, long video sessions aiding adaptation, and mistakes against Monaco and PSG sped the process.

Penders now leads Ligue 1 for open-play involvement, averaging 43 touches and 31.8 completed passes per match, with Obed Nkambadio next on 24.9. Operating high and favouring short restarts brings risk, so errors stand out more than his value in triggering transitions.

A modern profile who parries more than he holds, he was punished early, notably against PSG and Paris FC. Gimenez links that to a physical deficit after rapid growth, corrected by core and proprioception work, leaving him more explosive and consistent.

A relentless worker, he is at the training ground by 8:30 with a dedicated physio before team sessions. In 2026 he holds the best average rating at 5.57, level with Brest’s Grégoire Coudert and Risser, and Friday’s long distance duel will be watched in Strasbourg and in London.

Source: L'Équipe