Mike Penders linked with Sunderland switch: How does he compare to Robin Roefs?
Mike Penders could be used as a makeweight for Chelsea to sign Robin Roefs this summer.
When discussing Sunderland’s success, names like Granit Xhaka, Enzo Le Fee and Dan Ballard are the most common.
However, had it not been for Roefs, the Black Cats would not be anywhere near where they find themselves ahead of the final seven games of the season.
The Dutchman has adapted to life in the Premier League better than anyone could have imagined, though that has come at a cost.
Roefs has been linked with a move to Chelsea, who are reportedly willing to use Penders as leverage in a deal.
Read more: Jenson Seelt: Wolfsburg loan struggles cast doubt over Sunderland future
How does Mike Penders compare to Robin Roefs?
Penders will be a name that very few know, though the same can be said for Roefs prior to his move.
The 20-year-old Belgian has spent the season on loan at Strasbourg, where he has certainly made a name for himself ahead of his return to Chelsea.
| Ligue 1 | Penders |
| Save percentage | 70.4% |
| Passes completed | 980 |
| Pass accuracy | 86.2% |
| High claims | 23 |
| Clean sheets | 8 |
Penders has saved 70.4 per cent of the shots he has faced in Ligue 1, having made a total of 81 saves so far this season.
In comparison, Roefs has a 71.4 per cent save rate in the Premier League, with a total of 85 saves.
However, the two biggest differences lie in their goals prevented and distribution stats.
Penders has prevented 2.28 goals this season compared to Roefs’ 0.21, while having also completed 22.2 per cent more of his attempted passes.
The Chelsea loanee actually ranks among the top 8.3 per cent of Ligue 1 goalkeepers for his pass success rate, while no other goalkeeper has completed more passes than he has.
Verdict: Should Sunderland take the deal?
This might spark debate, but for me, yes.
But only if the money for Roefs is substantial.
The Dutchman has been one of, if not the best, goalkeepers in the Premier League this season, and his value this summer should reflect that.
Any deal worth less than around £40million and Penders would be questionable for the Black Cats, but anything around that ballpark would see them make a significant profit, while also having what appears to be another incredibly reliable number one.
Melker Ellborg has had mixed reviews so far throughout his time on Wearside, and whether he is ready to take the shirt of Roefs next season remains to be seen.
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