Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders explains why he was happy to “tag along” at Club World Cup

Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders has admitted he wasn’t at all disappointed to spend the Club World Cup on the bench — in fact, he says the experience was invaluable for his growth and integration into the first-team environment.

Speaking to Voetbal Primeur, the young Belgian keeper explained why being part of Chelsea’s successful Club World Cup campaign this summer was a priceless opportunity. Penders, who returned from a loan spell at Genk, had initially been linked with potential minutes due to uncertainty surrounding Robert Sánchez and Filip Jørgensen. Yet, despite not featuring, he insists the experience was exactly what he needed.

“I didn’t play, and that’s always different, but I still got a taste of it,” Penders said. “The win was the icing on the cake. It was good to tag along and get to know the group. You get a sense of the high level of training during those five weeks. All the guys were pretty friendly, too. You come in, shake everyone’s hand — I’m the kind of person who immediately starts talking.”

The 21-year-old added that observing the professionalism and preparation around a world-class setup was eye-opening. “Ultimately, you realise they’re all just great guys,” he said. “Every dressing room is a bit similar, you know. You have a group of Spanish speakers, a group of English people. You end up playing cards together.”

Penders’ Club World Cup experience was followed by a strategic loan to Strasbourg, part of the BlueCo network that includes Chelsea. The French club has become a crucial development hub for the London side’s young talents, allowing them to gain first-team experience in a competitive European league while staying within the club’s broader structure.

Since moving to Strasbourg, Penders has earned regular starts and quickly adapted to Ligue 1’s physical and tactical demands. Insiders at Cobham believe the experience in France is designed to fast-track his readiness for Chelsea’s senior setup, particularly given the uncertainty around the long-term No.1 position. For the player, that seamless transition — from Club World Cup exposure to consistent match minutes — has been invaluable to his progression.

Chelsea’s handling of Penders reflects a broader pattern under BlueCo ownership: using strategic loans to nurture young goalkeepers while maintaining close oversight of their development. Penders follows in the footsteps of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Gabriel Slonina, who both benefited from extended time away before returning to compete for senior roles.

The club’s philosophy emphasises mental growth as much as technical skill. Training alongside world-class players in high-pressure tournaments like the Club World Cup exposes young goalkeepers to elite expectations — an essential step before competing for Premier League minutes. As Penders himself admitted, “you learn how to prepare like a champion, even when you’re not playing.”

In my view, Penders’ approach is refreshingly mature. Rather than lamenting his lack of game time, he’s using every experience — from Club World Cup training sessions to Ligue 1 match days — as part of his long-term learning curve. It’s a mindset that could accelerate his rise through Chelsea’s ranks.

FootballPlace analyst John William adds: “This is exactly how Chelsea want their prospects to think. Penders’ time at Strasbourg isn’t just about saves — it’s about mentality, professionalism and adaptability. Those who grasp that early usually make it back to Stamford Bridge.”

Penders’ immediate focus is on maintaining his starting spot at Strasbourg while refining his game in Ligue 1. Chelsea, meanwhile, will continue to monitor his progress closely, viewing him as one of several promising young goalkeepers within their global setup.

If his trajectory continues upward, the Belgian could find himself back in West London next summer, ready to compete for a senior role — with his Club World Cup “tag-along” experience serving as the foundation for that step.

👉 Could Mike Penders’ humble Club World Cup experience be the quiet start of Chelsea’s next goalkeeping success story?