Chelsea to give Petrovic and Penders a chance to usurp Sanchez as the number one goalkeeper

Chelsea will give Djordje Petrovic and Mike Penders a chance to prove themselves at the club this summer before deciding on a new number one, according to the Telegraph.

The Blues need to replace Robert Sanchez, who has been hugely disappointing. He has made more errors leading to goals than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League. 

His jittery distribution and penchant for mistakes have left Chelsea unable to compete for honours, as they have a gaping hole between the sticks.

It does not help that Filip Jorgensen has been equally atrocious and does not command the box.

Chelsea could spend another significant outlay trying to sign a new goalkeeper but have decided to give Petrovic and Penders, out on loan at Strasbourg and Genk, a chance to prove their mettle.

Both goalkeepers will be at Chelsea in time for the Club World Cup and could travel with the squad to the United States to try and win a first-team place for next season.

Petrovic has been impressive for Strasbourg this season. He is one of the main reasons the small club is competing for a Champions League slot for next season.

Petrovic has prevented 7.18 goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances while keeping eight clean sheets. His kicking has improved tremendously under Liam Rosenior.

Penders is a young goalkeeper signed for his potential, but Chelsea believe he can fight for his place in the team. 

The 19-year-old still has holes in his game, but he has prevented 3.53 goals and kept five clean sheets in 12 league appearances. 

Penders has the same number of clean sheets as Sanchez this season in half the appearances and records superior goals-prevented numbers. He will back himself to pip the Spaniard to a starting spot.

Given Petrovic’s stellar performances in Ligue 1, he has proven he deserves the starting role next season. Chelsea should part ways with Sanchez, whose mistakes have cost the team dearly.

The club could keep either Penders or Jorgensen while sending the other on loan to Strasbourg for more experience.

The Blues need a reliable shot-stopper, and Petrovic has shown he is the best candidate to take the number one shirt at Stamford Bridge.