Big Pete has been unbelievable for us over the last 10 years and probably has another 3 years at the very top. Courtois is undoubtably the future and, based on his performances this season, he has what it takes to be no.1 at any club in the world. I don't think it's worth losing Courtois for the next 10-15 years for the sake of keeping Cech fort the next 3-4. So I'd like to see Courtois come in next season. I remember feeling the same when Cech first came to Chelsea and ousted Cudicini under similar circumstances. And we were lucky enough to keep Carlo for a few years as backup! Can't imagine the same scenario again! Cech to PSG 10ish million, Courtois no1, Schwazer to stay on another year. Blackman promoted to No.3. Thoughts?
I'm torn personally. Cech is one of my favourite ever Chelsea players and in my opinion the best keeper the PL has seen, behind Schmeichel. Still think he could easily be our keeper for a good few years yet but I don't think we can really afford to let someone of Courtois' age and quality go. Regardless, I agree with you that Blackman should be our no3 next season.
I think the injury changes the situation now. Have no medical knowledge, but common sense would tell you, that for a goalkeeper to have undergone an operation on a shoulder which he will be landing on again and again in the course of a match in future, there would have to be a doubt. For the long term future of the club Courtois needs to start next season. Given his age and the top level experience he has gained with Atletico, we just can't afford to let him slip through our hands. Big decision to be made and hope the Club call it right.
I think it would be best for all parties if Cech leaves and Courtois comes in. Courtois is a better keeper than Cech in my opinion, and Cech has always had the injuries overshadow his career. Collecting crosses has always been big Petr's problem and I think a move to another top European club would be great for Cech. Courtois could be our keeper for the next 10 years like plenty of said, hopefully we find another little 7m gem then. As for the number 2 situation, this is what tears me, Blackman or Beeney or any young keeper cannot just be a number 3. They need to play competitive matches if they are going to come good but also we can't have said keeper in goals for big games if an injury derails Courtois. Not sure if Schwarzer is playing on, maybe there is another experienced keeper we could pick up, if we could persuade someone like Akinfeev (out of contract) would be world class back-up. AlthoughI don't see him accepting a squad role.
It'n never easy saying goodbye to great players, but if you don't when the time is right, you regret it. Courtois is the future, Cech should move on now. He is too good to be our no. 2, so should go where he can rightly be 1st choice. There will be no shortage of offers. I feel the same is true for Lamps, he's done his job here.
So Jose has said that he wants to keep Schwarzer for next season. Can't see us having him, Courtois and Cech, that's too much. Guess it's between Cech and Courtois for the No.1 spot. Atletico have agreed a deal to sign Getafe's keeper Miguel Angel Moya, if he passes a medical.
Got to be Courtois, its whats best for the club in the long term. Cech has been a great servant, but its time for him to move on.
Can we loan Cech to Hull please!!!!! I want him to break the clean sheet record, but I don't want him playing for a rival. Hehehe
Personally I'd be inclined to keep both for a season. Courtois will probably be amazing but some struggle to settle in the P.L and it would be good to have such an experienced head around like Cech to help bring him on and if need be, to step in. If Courtois is as good as we think he is and he settles, and he signs the contract extension which he'll need to do (only 2 years left), then Cech leaves in a year's time with still plenty left to give to a top club, hopefully abroad.
Its got to be Courtois he is the future it would be nice if we could keep cech to help him settle in but cant see it happening, Cech is to good to be a reserve keeper
Cech is one of my favourite players but I think Courtois is just as good as him and being sentimental has no benefit to the club. You'd just be waiting for it to cost you to force your hand and what is the point in that.
Courtois all day long, Schwarzer should help the kid in PL. Having Cech might most likely unsettle the kid. Time to say our thank you to Cech!!
Id rather we keep cech for the prem, courtois for cup competitions and swarzer in reserve. Next season big pete can go on an honourable discharge.
Cech is legend - who can forget the impenetrable defence he setup with Terry/Carvalho/Gallas in his first few seasons, and also the Champs League was just as much down to his heroics as it was down to Drogba's. But simply put he has never been the same since the head injury, being distinctly dodgy on crosses. So sentiment aside, it simply HAS to be Courtois. In fact, I'll be gutted if Cech gets the spot and we end up losing Courtois. Cech can, *at best*, only 'prove' himself to Mourinho to be marginally better than Courtois at the moment but if so, given the age difference, Courtois will for sure exceed Cech in a few seasons (if he doesn't already exceed him now). Keeping Cech as No.1 in such a scenario, will be a short-sighted move, and much like we sacrificed another favourite in Cudicini for Cech, it is now Petr's turn to stand down.
