Petr Cech turned back the hands of time to remind the world he is still one of the best goalkeepers on the planet with a perfect first half display that helped keep Chelsea in the game.
Chelsea put up a very poor display in the first half that gifted Newcastle of several clear attempts at goal but it was to be another clean sheet for Cech. The 2-0 win over Newcastle was Cech’s 225th clean sheet from his 488th appearances for Chelsea.
‘In the first half we made some mistakes in possession and it gave Newcastle confidence and they were winning second balls and got more to the ball. That is why we had to chase the game a little bit and didn’t get our rhythm, but in the second half we improved in that and it made a difference.’ – Petr Cech
The role of goalkeepers has evolved good goalkeepers keep clean sheet’s great goalkeepers are an 11th infield player. Manuel Neuer found himself guarding goal and playing sweeper at the just ended World Cup I believe it made the difference for Germany.
Manuel Neuer has been described as a “sweeper-keeper” because of his unique playing style, quick reflexes, excellent shot-stopping abilities, command of his area and accurate distribution of the ball.
Whenever I watch Cech play I am fascinated with how accurately he deals with back passes and picks up a free man in midfield immediately transitioning the team from defence to attack I value his awareness knowing where the freeman is and where he is going to despatch the ball most importantly he helps Chelsea maintain possession.
When Barcelona crashed out of the champions league to Atletico Madrid last year Messi ran 6,8 km’s in the match, only 1,5 km’s more than goalkeeper Pinto.
Everyone has to give a little more at this level and this also applies to modern goalkeepers. After the departure of Mark Schwarzer I am happy Chelsea turned to their youth system and promoted Jamal Blackman to the first team. Understudying a legend like Cech will further his development and increase his chances of becoming a permanent member of the first team.
We have seen the heroics of Blackman at youth level for Chelsea and England and seen his heroics for the first team during pre-season matches. We hope he seizes this opportunity to learn from the best with both hands. With 225 clean sheets to his name and 488 appearances for Chelsea every time we watch Cech play we get see a legend and that is priceless.
Who is the greatest?
Petr Cech you inspire me!!!!!!