Chelsea’s activation of legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech is a major statement on a number of levels for the team as it seeks future Premier League glory.
The bombshell news that Petr Cech has been added to Chelsea’s Premier League roster was a shock to fans around the world. This is a major development and an astute acknowledgment by the club. They Blues have seemingly made a very savvy and potentially, a game-changing move. The club has seemingly acknowledged that absent Edouard Mendy in goal, the side is hopeless between the sticks.
Cech has been a positive addition to the Chelsea front office since he arrived back after finishing his career on the red side of London. Not only can Cech assist as a specialist on keeper issues and training, but he is also able to speak multiple languages. His ability to converse in German with then-prospective transferees Timo Werner and Kai Havertz evidently helped facilitate the mega transfers. Cech’s return to the club signifies he’s a Blue through and through, but his return to the pitch means he’ll do anything to help the club succeed. With all of that in mind, here’s why Cech’s addition to the squad as a player is so important.
1. Cech is a fabulous goalkeeper
Anyone who had the pleasure of watching Cech play in a Blues uniform knows what a consummate professional he was at his position. The Premier League legend is a star in all aspects of the term. He has great height and reach, which is important nowadays—looking at you, Kepa. Cech possesses the ability to snuff out crosses by snatching or punching them out of harm’s way, in addition to the instinct to leave his line and snuff out a dangerous play before it becomes a threat. Point being, the 38-year-old can do it all splendidly.
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2. Cech is far better than Chelsea’s back-up keepers
Even at 38, Cech can still deputize for the Blues if Mendy is out injured or needs a rest. Many would opt to field Cech over the other Chelsea back-up keepers for a couple of reasons. Kepa Arrizabalaga has not shown he is a capable Premier League keeper and Willy Caballero is a decent back-up, but that’s as far as it goes. Cech, on the other hand, is a starting-caliber substitute. If Mendy goes down, Cech should be first in line as he’d deliver.
3. Cech is not too old
Cech is 38 years old, as previously stated. In comparison to other goalkeepers of his era, Juventus’ amazing Gianluigi Buffon is 42 and will turn 43 in January, whereas Caballero is 39. Cech has been given the title of emergency keeper, but I’m not buying into it and neither should you.
Rumors surfaced as the window winded down that a free transfer might have been an option. Instead, delving into the team’s own hierarchy to snatch maybe the best alternative of all has to be considered a masterstroke by the Blues’ front office—which ironically includes the man himself. Cech could be the missing link in this Chelsea team that seems to defend well with Mendy in goal (one goal allowed in three starts, thank you very much), and pitiful when he is missing. This is largely attributable to the confidence Mendy oozes. Cech should be in the team to play any and at all times Mendy is out because he possesses the same mindset in addition to his skillset.
When observers comment on Cech’s great form in training, it just confirms that he is not on board just to be a substitute if Coronavirus should strike the keeper corps. Rather, he is there to help the squad win; at least, that’s what it should and hopefully will be. All in all, Cech—even at age 38—is a far better option than Arrizabalaga or Caballero whenever the circumstance warrants. If Mendy is out, Cech should play. We have all seen how a good keeper (e.g. Mendy) can help change the total dynamic of the team’s defense. Hopefully, Cech will deputize for Mendy in a magnificent way.
Hats off to the Chelsea manager and management, bringing Cech onto the 25-man squad is brilliant. He’s far, far better than any of the other back-up keeper options available. For this reason, Frank Lampard should not hesitate to play him when necessary.