Thibaut Courtois

[GodZola 630]

Courtois won't risk losing the challenge to Cech down to experience and losing his place in the national team for WC14.

Fair comment but purely a selfish one on the part of Courtois, unfortunately this won't be his decision to make, if the club decide to be selfish too then he will be brought back - whether that is ahead of Cech remains to be seen, its a fact that the ball is in clubs court I'm afraid.

Obviously with talks then an amicable agreement could be met from both parties.

[GodZola 630]

Indeed - it would be massively unfair to bring this kid back only to sit him on the bench. How exactly does he get a fair shot at the number one spot anyway? Do they take it in turns? Does he have to impress against Wolves in the League Cup? Do we give them a half each?

When the change happens, it needs to be swift and decisive for the good of the team and for both keepers.

So we continue to have 1 decent keeper who could get injured or experience a loss of form & then we are saddled with err.....mediocrity as back up & yet another season of battling for a CL place instead of winning the title. As I've already said many times if Jose returns he won't care less if he has to bench Cech in favour of Courtois or if he has to play Courtois on a wet Wednesday night at Scunthorpe, remember he made that decision before with a virtually unknown Cech in favour of our former No1 keeper Cudicini & arguably the best keeper in the Prem at the time & the detractors say he doesn't give youth a chance?

The decision has to favour this club moving forward & challenging again - as has been said before sentiment doesn't play a part in success that's part of why top managers become successful & their teams with it, also why Jose will want 2 keepers of quality but all positions covered this way.

Imo I would start Courtois ahead of Cech next season, big Pete is a great professional & won't sulk but support Courtois as Carlo did whilst being ready when the time comes. For those that think Courtois needs another year at A Madrid...........oh & then he hasn't got enough PL experience so let's loan him to West Ham for another year by which time he has little or nothing left on his contract & then won't sign another deal so we end up losing potentially the best keeper in the world through our own piss poor decisions whilst Cech is on his last legs - yeah great management that.

[The only place to be 11,313]

So we continue to have 1 decent keeper who could get injured or experience a loss of form & then we are saddled with err.....mediocrity as back up & yet another season of battling for a CL place instead of winning the title. As I've already said many times if Jose returns he won't care less if he has to bench Cech in favour of Courtois or if he has to play Courtois on a wet Wednesday night at Scunthorpe, remember he made that decision before with a virtually unknown Cech in favour of our former No1 keeper Cudicini & arguably the best keeper in the Prem at the time & the detractors say he doesn't give youth a chance?

The decision has to favour this club moving forward & challenging again - as has been said before sentiment doesn't play a part in success that's part of why top managers become successful & their teams with it, also why Jose will want 2 keepers of quality but all positions covered this way.

Imo I would start Courtois ahead of Cech next season, big Pete is a great professional & won't sulk but support Courtois as Carlo did whilst being ready when the time comes. For those that think Courtois needs another year at A Madrid...........oh & then he hasn't got enough PL experience so let's loan him to West Ham for another year by which time he has little or nothing left on his contract & then won't sign another deal so we end up losing potentially the best keeper in the world through our own piss poor decisions whilst Cech is on his last legs - yeah great management that.

So you put £100,000 p/w on the bench rather then cashing in on him? It would also be massively unfair to bench either one in a World Cup year and rob them of a season of playing professional football. I actually like both these guys so acting the cunt to either one of them doesn't exactly appeal to me.

Personally, I'd be fine with us installing Courtois as number one and letting Cech leave - it makes financial sense to cash in if we're not going to use him and bring in someone experienced as back-up and look for Blackman to get experience on-loan. But I don't think it works to have them both in the squad. They're both too good to sit on the bench and the one thing you don't want in that position is uncertainty. The defenders need to know who is going to be behind them and start building that rapport immediately.

[Mufassir08 2,400]

I agree we will have to sell cech sooner rather then later.

[GodZola 630]

So you put £100,000 p/w on the bench rather then cashing in on him? It would also be massively unfair to bench either one in a World Cup year and rob them of a season of playing professional football. I actually like both these guys so acting the cunt to either one of them doesn't exactly appeal to me. Personally, I'd be fine with us installing Courtois as number one and letting Cech leave - it makes financial sense to cash in if we're not going to use him and bring in someone experienced as back-up and look for Blackman to get experience on-loan. But I don't think it works to have them both in the squad. They're both too good to sit on the bench and the one thing you don't want in that position is uncertainty. The defenders need to know who is going to be behind them and start building thatwr rapport immediately.

As I've already stated, the best solution would be for the club to enter into extending Courtois contract with an improved deal, this ensures we tie him down for the long term, also state that the club have no intentions of harming his chances for the world cup next year so we will give you 1 final year at A Madrid, this would be sensible management because all parties win & Courtois will respect the club more for it & will want to play for the club even more. It is absolutely imperative that if we loan him out again we must tie him down or risk losing him to one of tge top clubs in Europe - Barca are already sniffing!

However this can only happen if we have a capable keeper as Cech's understudy, if you say Blackman then fair enough but I honestly can't judge him until I've seen him play regularly. We have slipped down the pecking order because of a number of issues, having 2 quality players in each position would go a long way to reverse that trend. I concur that it seems a little unfair to bench one, but as i said this is where titles are won - no coincidence that the year Cech & Cudicini were injured in the same game we relinquished the title. Paying Cech 100k a week has absolutely no relevance imo, why should it be different for keepers as opposed to strikers, defenders - Torres & Terry are spending large parts on a sabbatical yet we pay them nearly double that. The reason why Man U will win the title this year is because they have 4 strikers that perform but they spend large parts on the bench.

As I said before, it can be fine margins & if we don't get a quality back up for Cech then it could cost us the title & I hope those that don't feel the need for this come on here when we have failed & admit they got it wrong. As with Jose, Lukaku, de Bruyne, Courtois amongst some exciting fringe players I'm eagerly looking forward to the decisions in coming months - I just hope the club make the right decisions & we can all be basking in title glory next year.

[Hamilton 2,118]

Courtois got his 24th clean sheet last tuesday, this out of 41 games. No goalie is doing better at the moment.

Still he doesn't think he's top 5 off the world. "I can't think something like that about myself. Let's say that one day i would love to be top 5 off the world."

"Who's top 3 for me? Cech would be in that list. Valdes is good, also Neuer and De Gea to. Casillas is injured at the moment, so can't look at him"

[magic weeds 446]

Courtois got his 24th clean sheet last tuesday, this out of 41 games. No goalie is doing better at the moment.

Still he doesn't think he's top 5 off the world. "I can't think something like that about myself. Let's say that one day i would love to be top 5 off the world."

"Who's top 3 for me? Cech would be in that list. Valdes is good, also Neuer and De Gea to. Casillas is injured at the moment, so can't look at him"

Meh. *facepalm*, well he is better than Turnbull

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I think sentiment is clouding a lot of people's judgement. Me most definitely included. I would say that Courtois isn't as good as Cech right now, but it would make sense in the long-term to even bring him in this summer (more likely in 2014/2015) and allow Cech to leave. It would be unfair to play them off one against the other, in my view.

It will be a sad day when Petr Cech leaves, but even the greatest goalkeepers can be replaced.

[Stingray 9,441]

I think sentiment is clouding a lot of people's judgement. Me most definitely included. I would say that Courtois isn't as good as Cech right now, but it would make sense in the long-term to even bring him in this summer (more likely in 2014/2015) and allow Cech to leave. It would be unfair to play them off one against the other, in my view.

It will be a sad day when Petr Cech leaves, but even the greatest goalkeepers can be replaced.

Uh? Wow. Did defo NOT see this comment coming from you Alex :-)

[CHOULO19 24,332]

In my opinion, the issue should be balanced delicately between Cech who is currently better and Courtoise who could be the future solution, meaning: between our short -term gain and long-term gain. I would loan out Thibaut for another season, preferably to a PL club, then at the end of next season consider selling Petr if Courtoise keeps on developing like he currently is.

Like Alex said above, it would be a sad day in Chelsea's history when we see Petr Cech leave, but all good things must come to an end..

[The only place to be 11,313]

In my opinion, the issue should be balanced delicately between Cech who is currently better and Courtoise who could be the future solution, meaning: between our short -term gain and long-term gain. I would loan out Thibaut for another season, preferably to a PL club, then at the end of next season consider selling Petr if Courtoise keeps on developing like he currently is.

Like Alex said above, it would be a sad day in Chelsea's history when we see Petr Cech leave, but all good things must come to an end..

Which PL club?

Sorry Thibaut, but you know you were looking forward to playing in the Champions League next season, something you played a massive part in earning for your teammates of two years, well we'd prefer if you didn't play in that.

Martin Jol is expecting you at Craven Cottage in 20 minutes. Love You.

Just to remind everyone, we're 19 points behind a team with a young goalkeeper who wasn't as good as Courtois was at Atletico and who's last-minute save forced a replay on East fucking Monday. His save percentage (which is a ridiculous measure for a gk) is only 3% less than Cech's too.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Which PL club?

Sorry Thibaut, but you know you were looking forward to playing in the Champions League next season, something you played a massive part in earning for your teammates of two years, well we'd prefer if you didn't play in that.

Martin Jol is expecting you at Craven Cottage in 20 minutes. Love You.

Just to remind everyone, we're 19 points behind a team with a young goalkeeper who wasn't as good as Courtois was at Atletico and who's last-minute save forced a replay on East fucking Monday. His save percentage (which is a ridiculous measure for a gk) is only 3% less than Cech's too.

Yes, he'll probably want to stay at Athletico, but if he accepts, I think a PL loan would be much more beneficial for his career.

Just because utd don't currently have a world class keeper, we should give up one of three the best keepers currently in the world? Cech could still be the difference between winning a cup or not, between first place and second. I don't think we should give that up so lightly.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Yes, he'll probably want to stay at Athletico, but if he accepts, I think a PL loan would be much more beneficial for his career.

Which club? I landed on Fulham because Schwarzer might be on his way out despite him being pretty solid this year. I'm not sure where there might be a spot.

Just because utd don't currently have a world class keeper, we should give up one of three the best keepers currently in the world? Cech could still be the difference between winning a cup or not, between first place and second. I don't think we should give that up so lightly.

I'm not saying we should give him up lightly - he would still command a fee in the transfer market. Statistically he's missing more games season on season (for the last couple of years) and that could become a worrying trend if it continues.

He's probably got another season in him but I think Courtois will probably stay at Atletico next year.

[Bacika 188]

Is in Spain any rule that say one player can't be loaned to the same team three years in row???

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Which club? I landed on Fulham because Schwarzer might be on his way out despite him being pretty solid this year. I'm not sure where there might be a spot.

Any PL club where we can guarantee he'll start. Fullham is probably the most likely. I'd just like to see him at a club where he'd be tested more and thus develop faster.

I'm not saying we should give him up lightly - he would still command a fee in the transfer market. Statistically he's missing more games season on season (for the last couple of years) and that could become a worrying trend if it continues. He's probably got another season in him but I think Courtois will probably stay at Atletico next year.

Yeah I agree the best time to sell Cech would probably be at the end of next season.

[GodZola 630]

I think sentiment is clouding a lot of people's judgement. Me most definitely included.

Agreed and have said as much, least you are honest.

I would say that Courtois isn't as good as Cech right now

Cech who is currently better and Courtois

Cigarette paper between the 2 - we are in a fantastic position despite the difference in opinions. Cech is not at the level he used to be but still quality, Courtois has 10 years at the top at the very least, we need to secure his services for that time.

[GodZola 630]

Just to remind everyone, we're 19 points behind a team

Not everyone, i strongly referenced this point yesterday - 2 keepers of real quality will ease the gap but just the start of what the club need to sustain a title challenge.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Uh? Wow. Did defo NOT see this comment coming from you Alex :-)

Cech is my favourite player, everyone knows; so I am always going to be very defensive of him. But that doesn't mean I am being ignorant of Courtois' potential. I just want what is best for this club. Right now, it is Cech between the sticks. But the season after next, it is most definitely necessary for Courtois to replace him.

Petr Cech vs Courtois

• Both goalkeepers very good shot-stoppers. (Cech 1-1 Courtois).
• Cech probably the better dealing with crosses (Courtois has a tendency to try and punch rather than try and catch; should be the opposite way for my money). (Cech 2-1 Courtois).
• Courtois quicker at distribution which would improve our counter-attacking policy; Cech prefers to take his time and prefers long clearances upfield - 90% of the time just returns the ball to the opponent. (Cech 2-2 Courtois).
• Cech has the massive advantage of experience. Firstly, he has a reputation. You see PETR CECH on the team-sheet and it instils confidence in the team; conversely, if you see TURNBULL, opponents will target him as a weakness. Courtois will come here needing to forge a reputation as a great goalkeeper. Secondly, experience is key when it comes to anticipation and positioning, which are a goalkeeper's two most-important assets. Young goalkeepers are sometimes overly-brave to the point where they are kamikaze; Cech has the level of restraint to know when to come out on goal (as seen from his absolutely incredible shots-to-saves ratio when one-on-one, which was the highest out of any of the Premier League goalkeepers last season). Cech 3-2 Courtois.
• In terms of longevity, Courtois wins on two counts. Firstly, he is young. Secondly, Cech will not play until he is 40, like some people think. He will be lucky to see to 35. He has a chronic elbow injury (due to repetitive strain; only giving up the game will allow it to heal), has a history of problems with his left calf, and of course there is the psychological aspect of his skull injury. A second lofty blow to the head could end his career. Courtois, on the other hand, is younger and physically the more impressive. From what I've seen, he is just as strong as Cech, although I don't think he's quite learnt to use his build to dominate his area (like when going for crosses, he prefers to scoop the ball rather than catch it at mid-day, as Cech does). Cech 3-3 Courtois.

From this crude little experiment, I give the impression there is very little to choose between the two, which is correct. Cech is the better keeper at present, by my making, but for the good of the club, it is necessary for Courtois to join either this summer, or the next. We can hope for four more seasons from Cech, whereas we can get 10 from Thibaut. Furthermore, if Cech was to leave, you could reasonably get £10 million for him and the wage bill would be massively slashed. In the long-term, as much as it may be upsetting, Cech will have to leave.