PETR CECH

One of the most respected goalkeepers in the world game, Cech may not be at the same level as in his early Chelsea career but he remains one of the best shot-stoppers around.

Cech began his career with FK Chmel Blsany, making his bow in 1999 before moving on two years later to Sparta for £465,000. His senior international debut came against Cyprus in February 2002, and he went on to be a crucial figure in the side that won European Under-21 Championship that year. He was named in the Euro 2004 All-Star team.

The goalkeeper moved to France in the summer of 2002, joining Stade Rennes for £3.3 million before officially moving to Chelsea at the start of July 2004, in a £7 million deal from Rennes.

The Blues set a then-record for clean sheets in 2004-05, keeping out the opposition for nine successive games. Cech did not concede a goal for 871 minutes, eclipsing Peter Schmeichel’s record from his days with Manchester United, but his personal record is even longer than that, since he went 928 minutes unbeaten at Sparta Prague.

Cech’s career was threatened in October 2006 when, in a sickening collision with Reading’s Stephen Hunt, he suffered a fractured skull. This ruled him out of action for three months, during which time Chelsea’s defensive record deteriorated. It is fair to say that since then Cech has struggled with the aerial ball - he continues to wear a protective head guard - but he battled back to claim the most clean sheets in 2010.

Still one of the best goalkeepers around, he played an important role in Chelsea’s Champions League success in 2012 and remains one of the most important players in the squad.

Strengths: His height and reach make his shot-stopping one of the highlights of his game, regularly pulling off world-class saves.

Weaknesses: Is often suspect when coming out to claim crosses, perhaps a knock-on effect of the head injury that has affected his confidence when coming out to claim among bodies.

Career High: Helping Chelsea to a penalty shootout victory over Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final.

Career Low: The life-threatening injury suffered in the clash with Stephen Hunt that eventually ruled him out for three months.

Style: Athletic and agile, commanding on his line if not in the box.

Quotes: “I believe Petr Cech is one of the most important players for this team, one of the best goalkeepers in the world.” Carlo Ancelotti, January 2010

Trivia: Cech was born as one of triplets along with his sister, Sarka. The third child, a brother, died after suffering an infection in hospital. Cech has a weaker skull as a result of being a triplet.