Petr Cech
Petr Cech
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Age: 18
Position: Forward
Country: Argentina
Caps: 6
Goals: 1
Club: Barcelona
Former clubs: Gr |  |
Wednesday, 24, May 2006 12:12
Age: 24
Position: Goalkeeper
Country: Czech Republic
Caps: 39
Club: Chelsea
Previous clubs: Rennes, Sparta Prague, Blsany
Estimated Chelsea-target value: Interested clubs could expect to fork up at least £20 million
In his own words: What do I think about being named as the best goalkeeper in the world? Well, it is easy to be good when you have in front of you the best defence. I hardly touch a ball.
When the signing of an unheard Czech goalkeeper was announced in the spring of 2004, little did Chelsea fans know they had signed a player who in a short time would go on to be regarded as one of the world's best keepers.
Euro 2004 was Petr Cech's first chance to shine on a big stage, and the then 22-year-old grabbed it with both hands. He played an instrumental part in guiding the Czech Republic to the semi-finals, only to be out-fluked by eventual winners Greece, now known more for flamboyant Eurovision-hosting than football victories.
The next season saw Cech's stock rise further still, quickly establishing himself as Chelsea's number one despite the presence of fan favourite Carlo Cudicini. He went on to keep a record 21 clean sheets in the league, and when his assault on the consecutive minutes without conceding a goal record was under threat, he promptly saved a penalty to break the record. All this in his debut season in English football. The League Cup and title were Cech's first honours and he followed it up with a number of assured displays the following season as Chelsea successfully defended their crown.
Cech's key attributes are his massive six foot five inch frame, his superb reflexes and pace at coming off his line. Where his game falters is his kicking, as the big Czech is very left-footed.
Still only 24, Cech has the potential to go on and become the greatest goalkeeper of all time, and the World Cup is the ideal platform on which to stake a claim for true greatness.
Matt Champion.