Chelsea have not had many selection headaches to contend with in recent years, but this year they look set to have one of their biggest to date.
José Mourinho has been left with a huge goal-keeping dilemma with Thibaut Courtois returning from his three year loan spell at Spanish side Atlético Madrid.
The shot-stopper had shone in Spain throughout the course of his loan period, having been moved straight to the La Liga side to gain experience on his initial signing for parent club Chelsea in 2011.
The young Belgium international has been brought back by the ‘Special One’ to compete for the No.1 jersey up against Chelsea’s long-standing keeper Petr Čech.
With both the Belgian and the Czech level on ability, the decision on who will play is becoming an increasingly difficult one. One that could potentially split the dressing room.
Courtois appears to have the edge, despite only being 22 years of age he has already won the Belgian Pro League (2010-11), the Belgian Cup (2008-09), the La Liga title (2013-14), the Copa del Rey (2012-13), the UEFA Europa League (2011-12) and the UEFA super Cup (2012).
Described by Mourinho during an ESPN interview as ‘the best young goal-keeper in the world,’ you would assume his best years are still ahead of him. And based on his current form, Courtois looks set to prove the Portuguese right.
Čech on the other hand has been undisputed during his ten-year stint at the club, seeing off challenges from Ross Turnbull, Carlo Cudicini and Henrique Hilário whilst winning the FA Premier League (2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10), the FA Cup (2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12), the Football League cup (2004-05, 2006-07), the FA community shield (2005, 2009), the UEFA Champions League (2011-12) and finally, the UEFA Europa League (2012-13).
Čech has kept 220 clean sheets during his Chelsea career which is the current club record. He is still considered one of the best goal keepers in the world, despite the head injury he sustained back in 2006 which knocked him back for some time.
Čech, who has become a firm fans’ favourite, will feel that Chelsea owe him the starting position after years of consistency and high level performances.
You can easily make a case for both keepers to be the pensioners No1 this season, but whoever Mourinho chooses, you can guarantee the other one will strike a less than pleased figure on the bench against Burnley in the Blues’ debut Premier League fixture.
What the club cannot do is rotate them, that just doesn’t work with goalkeepers and all that will do is alienate both players who could then seek a move away from Stamford Bridge come May.
With Mourinho seemingly undecided, the situation is being allowed to fester and could break Chelsea’s title hopes before the season has begun.
This is not a win-win for Chelsea, someone will be disappointed by the decision. With the start of the Premier League only a couple of weeks away, journalists and fans alike will be waiting in anticipation at who will line up between the posts at Burnley… Lets hope Mourinho doesn’t disappoint the wrong person.
Blog by Chelsky Boy Luke Twitter: @ChelskyBoyLuke