Chelsea FC Goalkeepers – Thibaut Courtois or Petr Cech?

Thibaut Courtois has returned to Chelsea after an incredibly fruitful 3 year loan spell with Atlético Madrid. He left a boy, albeit with huge potential. Not many people would have predicted his meteoric transformations into one of the world’s best goalkeepers. At the age of 22, Courtois has firmly established himself amongst the elite shot stoppers on the planet.

His imposing 6 foot 6 frame makes his a significant obstacle in goal. Combine that with his lightning reflexes, which he displayed in his Chelsea debut against Werder Bremen last weekend, and you have a quality shot stopper. His physical attributes already make him stand out, but perhaps his most impressive quality is his demeanour. This current generation of Belgian wonder kids seems to have in common quite a brash and impatient attitude. Courtois is of a different mould. Calmness oozes from him and this can only give confidence to the defenders in front of him.

He faces a mouth-watering battle to be first choice come the opening Premier League game against Burnley in two weeks time. Petr Cech, a club favourite and similarly world class keeper, is his competition. Courtois would likely enter most teams directly, for example Real Madrid are apparently keen on acquiring his services. However, Cech will not be displaced easily.

Mourinho is trusted with the decision with who he starts as his number one. It really depends on what his mindset is on who he favours. He referred to last season as a transitional season, for growth and to nurture Chelsea’s young talent. If he sees this season as another building block, Courtois will be chosen.

My opinion on Courtois is he should play in every game he can. Bar the League Cup where another keeper can get some playing time, I think Courtois is capable of dominating the position for many years to come at Stamford Bridge.