Chelsea and their goalkeeper dilemma

Chelsea has the meanest defence in Premier League this season with only 21 goals conceded, lowest among all the clubs. They also have the second highest amount of clean sheets to their name, only one behind the tally of 13 clean sheets kept by West Ham United. Definitely a great turn around by a team which conceded goals for fun during the festive period. Over the last ten games since Christmas, the Blues’ defence has only leaked 3 goals keeping 7 clean sheets in the process, whereas, the same defence allowed 9 goals against them in 8 games before Christmas.

The all-English partnership of John Terry and Gary Cahill have been solid at the back supported by the ever reliable Petr Cech. The Chelsea goalkeeper is yet again proving his worth for the club and has been pivotal in ensuring a tight defence at the back, something which was evident against Everton in their last game. As an able leader, he marshalled the defence in the penalty box and made a couple of crucial saves to prevent the opposition from scoring.

Chelsea supporters can hope for similar defensive performances in the long-term as Cech is not the only world-class goalkeeper Chelsea have in their ranks. The Blues also own the 21 year old goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, currently plying his trade at Atletico Madrid. The Belgian has spent last three seasons at Atletico and has already won the Europa League, Copa Del Rey and the UEFA Super Cup. The young goalkeeper has displayed immense potential and was voted the LFP best goalkeeper for the 2012-13 season in which he had the lowest goals conceded per game ratio in the league.

The season is inching towards the business end and the club have to take a decision about their goalkeeping situation as the Belgian is a genuine threat to Cech’s position at Stamford Bridge. Courtois has grown in stature as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and would not like to sit on the bench at Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho admires the Belgian and has dubbed him as the best young goalkeeper in the world, but Cech has continued doing his good work and remains a fan favourite. The Portuguese coach now faces a dilemma to select between his loyal servant and the prodigy.

It will be interesting to see who Mourinho opts for but given that his team is in the midst of a transition and will mount a challenge on all fronts next season, it will be wise to continue with the experienced goalie. Courtois is young and talented but lacks experience at the highest level and losing Cech could prove costly. One more season on loan for the Belgian goalkeeper would be appropriate or else Chelsea could sell him while he is a hot property.