Chelsea Goalkeeper Pre-Season Review

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As part of our pre-season review, we will start by looking at the Chelsea goalkeepers and our readiness in this position as the 2011/2012 Premier League is less than two weeks away.

The first signing of the Andre Villas Boas reign may have been goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois but our new manager is unlikely to have any doubts about who will be his number one next season.

It is the back up positions that are concerning, with neither Henrique Hilario or Ross Turnbull filling fans with confidence. On the handful of occasions that they deputised last season neither was impressive with Turnbull very disappointing.

With Hilario ageing and Turnbull lacking the ability to replace Cech, the recruitment and subsequent loaning of Courtois is a clear indication of the clubs long term view for this position.

Petr Cech

After a serious injury in a collision with Stephen Hunt in 2006 Cech lost his confidence, aerial prowess and total control of his penalty area. Despite this he still managed to hold his position as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

Last season saw him blow away the cobwebs and finally put the memories of one painful evening in Berkshire behind him and recapture the form and become arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. He is critical to our chances next season with it no exaggeration that trophies could be won or lost on his fitness as his counterparts are not fit to be metioned in the same sentance as this great of the game.

Ross Turnbull

This season will be a pivotal one for Turnbull and his last chance to prove that he belongs at Stamford Bridge.

Although once a first choice goalkeeper in the Premier League with Middlesbrough, Ross has shown little to the Chelsea faithful to suggest that he is a reliable and deserving number two.

If given any first team action this season he must appear calm and controlled and eliminate silly mistakes from his game to win over the fans and earn the right to stay.

Henrique Hilario

A decent third choice goalkeeping option but I am hoping that he will not be needed in any position but warming the bench.

This may be his last season at the Bridge but he is not upto scratch for the Premier League.