Chelsea’s Petr Cech has been viewed as one of the best shot-stoppers in world football over the last few years, and rightly so. Since arriving in west London back in 2006, the big Czech Republic international has played over 400 games for the Blues and been a huge part of their success. But with one of the most exciting number 2s – or 3s depending on how you look at it – in European football, Chelsea have a decision to make between the sticks from next season.
If you’re not aware, Chelsea also hold Thibaut Courtois on their books, although the 21-year-old is again spending a year on loan at La Liga side Atletico Madrid.
The Belgian has made waves over the past two years after some brilliant displays in the Spanish capital, playing 100 games for the club to date. He returns in the summer with the challenge up dislodging Cech from the spot he’s held down for so long, but can he do it?
Let’s look at the statistics from the last two seasons.
Last term, Cech played 36/38 games for Rafa Benitez’s Blues, keeping 14 clean sheets in the process. Courtois appeared in 37 of Atleti’s 38, keeping 20 clean sheets – so the youngster takes the lead in this race.
Courtois made more saves per game (1.95) than Cech (1.75) and made a higher saves per goal average – Courtois with 2.67 and Cech with 1.85.
This season in their domestic leagues, both have kept three clean sheets – Cech in six games, Courtois in seven. Again, Courtois has made more saves per game (1.86) than the current Chelsea number 1 (1.33) despite Atletico winning all seven of their games.
Cech does recover some credit though as he has averaged more saves per goal this season (2.67) than the Belgian (2.60) and has a better distribution (63%) than him as well (55%).
Who should be starting between the Chelsea sticks next season, in your opinion?