Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez says competition from Mike Penders can only help raise standards as the club prepares for the new Premier League season.
Last season Sanchez, 28, saw off competition from Filip Jorgensen, who is set to join Strasbourg on loan.
But Penders, 21, has returned to Stamford Bridge after spending last season with the French side and will provide fresh competition for the number one shirt.
New manager Xabi Alonso has made it clear that every position in his squad is “open”, including in goal, but Sanchez welcomes the challenge.
Asked about the arrival of Penders, Sanchez said: “He is a great young goalie and had a great season at Strasbourg last year.
“He’s tall, 6ft 7in, dominates his area, is very calm and is a top guy. I think he is going to be a great keeper in the future. He has massive potential.”
Despite establishing himself as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, Sanchez believes competition is essential to maintaining performance levels.
He added: “You never know what will happen to the first-choice keeper, whether he is going to get injured or go through a rough period.
“So you need another option to provide cover and push each other to raise the level. If you do not have someone pushing you every day, you get lazy and then performance drops.
“I think it is always good to have one or two people pushing you every day.”
Sanchez is preparing for his fourth season at Chelsea after joining from Brighton in a £25m move in 2023.
After making 111 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, he is among the most experienced players in Alonso’s squad and is expected to battle with Penders for the starting spot throughout the campaign.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
