Belgian international Thibaut Courtois, who has returned to Chelsea, says that he wants to challenge Petr Cech for the first-team spot while also learning from the Czech Republic stopper. Cech is regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in modern history. The 32-year-old, however, has not been up to his usual standards since the horrific head injury that he suffered in 2007. This has not stopped him from being a regular first-team player for Chelsea and he has been quite successful as well. Over the last decade, he has won several trophies with the blues including the Champions League in 2012.
However, his position at the club is being challenged after the return of Courtois. The Belgian international has matured into one of the finest goalkeepers after his three-year loan spell at Atletico Madrid. Signed as a 19-year-old from Belgian club Genk, even Chelsea would not have imagined the swift progress from the goalkeeper. Due to his age, he is seen as the natural replacement for Cech, but that replacement could come sooner than expected. It is highly speculated that Courtois will be Chelsea’s number one from the new season while Cech is expected to be sold.
Courtois, though, says that Cech still remains a great goalkeeper and he wants to learn from him.
“Petr has had a really nice 10 years here. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Every goalkeeper can have a type of thing they are usually good at so when you see them train you can learn from them. It helps you during your training. I signed with Chelsea three years ago but because of the loan it took until today to have my first training session, so I’m really happy to be here. There will be a battle to be in the starting XI but that’s good,” said Courtois.
