The Belgian goalkeeper made his first Premier League start in yesterday’s game against Tottenham Hotspur and produced impressive first-half stops to deny Omar Marmoush and Mathys Tel.

Unfortunately, in the second period, an own goal from Penders under pressure from Jan Paul van Hecke enabled Tottenham to take the lead. It was one of the visitors doubled late on to claim a rare win at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso stressed the importance of everyone learning and improving following the defeat, including our 21-year-old goalkeeper.

‘It’s part of the business; you need to deal with mistakes and we keep confidence in Mike and he will be in goal against Liverpool,' the Blues manager said.

‘We win and we lose together and it’s part of the job to deal with mistakes, myself as well as everyone.

‘We support Mike and Geo (Quenda) as well, the guys starting their first [Premier League] games. He will want to prove he can do better - and we also have to show that.’