PETR CECH HAS named the six goalkeepers who have helped him shape his career in football.
The Arsenal goalkeeper now holds the record for the most clean sheets in the Premier League after he surpassed David James’ tally in Monday’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth.
And Cech has revealed that he has modelled his own game based on the abilities of Oliver Kahn, Santiago Canizares, Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar, Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas.
“When I was a kid I didn’t have one goalkeeper to look up to. I was watching all the game and realised there are so many keepers with something which stands out,” said the 33-year-old.
Oliver Kahn and his determination, Canizares you could see the concentration and focus on his eyes, Schmeichel and his overall presence.
“And then came Van der Saar who started playing at Ajax as a libero and you had never seen that before.
People then thought the keeper is not just there to save the ball, you have an extra player. So you try to take the best of all the best keepers around and make a puzzle for yourself.
“You know what will work and how you can improve things.
“Then you had Casillas and Buffon playing when they were really young.
Iker is only one year older me and you think ‘if he can play for Real Madrid at 18 why can’t I?’
“So you realise it’s not only about age, but how well you train and play. This was my approach to it and I learned from everyone.”
So he’s not going to Newcastle then
@Richard O’Brien: Thought he was a shoe-in for Derby County. Everything he needs there too.. sorry, except the bottomless pit of money.
@An Observer: your not suggesting that the reason he’s so successful is the cash he can flash are you. The citeh fans won’t like that
@Richard O’Brien: An awful lot more to management than money. Obviously he can buy whoever he wants but then he has to handle all those huge egos, keep them happy and get them playing for the team, which I think is the secret to his success. If it was just about money Mickey Mouse could be manager.
@ger o’ dwyer: thanks for the lesson and I don’t necessarily disagree but I think it takes a better manager to be successful without the cash
@Richard O’Brien: careful now, in the spirit of the 21st century we shouldn’t take the piss out of minority groups.
Great to hear a man with extensive knowledge of the game commenting about how good a league the premiership is, a lot of haters out their saying the premier league is a joke, because only one or two teams can win it, which is not to far from the truth, but the overall competition for placing is brilliant and always throws up battles for the winners, top four, europa spots and relegation.
@Devilsavocado: I mean isn’t that the case for most of the top leagues in Europe?
@Devilsavocado: style of football lacking still. Too many foreigners. Should see if this year was a one off in terms of Europe, Spain has pretty much ruled the roost for a decade or more on the club and international scene. Best players like Hazard still know the best gravy. Lots love the hustle n bustle of the premier league but prob know little else.
Earth to Chippy!?