Is Petr Better?

Is Petr better?

Petr Cech has been commanding between the sticks for Chelsea since his transfer in the 04/05 season, recovering from setbacks such as his major head injury and blips in form to become one of the highest rated keepers in the top flight, as well as internationally.

But with Thibaut Courtois impressing on loan at Atlético Madrid (including setting a new record of 820 minutes without conceding for the Spanish side) is Petr Cech’s time as Chelsea’s undisputed number one over and if not, does he have a significant amount of time left?

Time is definitely on Cech’s side, as he is only 31 in May and goalkeepers are renowned for their longevity, just look at the shining examples of Brad Friedel at Tottenham and the world-class performances Van Der Sar put in for United in his late 30s.

Is looking to the long-term the right thing to do in this situation? Cech won the Champions League last season and a couple of the saves he made in the recent quarter-final replay against United were world class and showed exactly what he brings to the team.

Cech has been a part of the ‘solid’ Chelsea spine of the Mourinho era and he still gives the team an air of calmness at the back at a time when the Chelsea back five haven’t been as commanding as teams of years past.

This calmness shouldn’t be overlooked, as the new look, younger Chelsea squad have at times looked twitchy and the experience Cech provides is also reflected in his role captaining the side at times this season.

Courtois is also doing very well at the moment and some say he is one of the hottest young properties in European football.

Wearing David De Gea’s old number 13 shirt, Courtois has established himself as Atlético Madrid’s number one and has gained enough experience playing in La Liga to establish himself as a serious contender to Cech as Chelsea’s undisputed keeper.

He will only be 21 in May but the 6’6 stopper seems to be willing to accept that Cech will be hard to dislodge for now, preferring to stay on loan rather than play understudy to Cech for a few seasons.

This type of attitude is understandable, especially when you consider how high his stock is at the moment.

 If rumours are to be believed Chelsea have slapped a £20 million pound price tag on the young Belgian and he has to keep playing in order to improve as a player, especially at such an important time in a young players development.

Cech or Courtois? Who knows what the right decision will be? I hope that if Cech does leave he is treated with the respect he deserves and all good things, including careers, have to come to an end.