By: Ryan Bode
Petr Cech
Old Team: Chelsea
New Team: Arsenal
Basic Demographics:
After much speculation, Petr Cech has finally made the jump to a different team in the Premier League. After arriving in Chelsea in 2004, he has delivered many stellar performances as a goalkeeper. Making over 300 appearances for Chelsea, he achieved four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one UEFA Europa Cup, and one UEFA Champions League. Not to toot his horn further but he has won the Golden Gloves three times in the Premier League as well as being selected to many Best of Champions League squads. Just when a fan thinks that Cech cannot possibly achieve more, he shows his prowess as an international player. The 33 year-old goalie has made 114 appearances for the Czech Republic, the second most in appearances in Czech Republic history. Some of these appearances include a 2006 World Cup in addition 2004, 2008, and 2012 European Championships.
What Was His Transfer Fee?
Arsenal may have overpaid for a regular 33 year-old goalie, but Petr Cech is worth every penny to the front office. For €14 million ($15.59 million), Arsenal is bringing in a talented, experienced, and not to mention accomplished goal keeper that they have been searching for. David Ospina, who was the current starting goalkeeper for the Gunners, looks like he is going to be the odd man out at Arsenal with the signing of Cech, but this means that another team could possibly get a great goaltender at a cut rate.
What He Brings to Arsenal?
Do I really need to reiterate myself? Just in case, Cech is one of the most accomplished goalies in soccer history. He brings a championship mentality to Arsenal that is trying to get back to the top of the Premier League. He also brings stability to the goalkeeper position that Arsenal desperately needed. Ospina took over as the starting goalie from Wojciech Szcesny around January 1, 2015, when he was fined for smoking in the shower room after a 2-0 loss. Cech is a stable goalkeeper in the back and will help decrease the number of goals that Arsenal allows due to his command of the defense as well.
What Are His Outlooks?
The Good
Cech remains at the top of his game. He locks down the goal keeping job only getting spelled in unimportant matches by Szcesny but his job is safe. Cech also brings leadership to Arsenal’s defense that they desperately needed, shouting out commands like a general on the battle field. Arsenal is launched into the Champions League scheme for the Premier League, possibly looking to get a top three spot in the league. Petr Cech stays at Arsenal for a couple years, possibly getting a title for Arsenal in the process, and the Arsenal allows him to be transferred back to the Czech Republic to finish up his career.
The Bad
Cech does not live up to expectations. He makes Arsenal look like a fool for letting go Ospina. Szcesny and Cech keep switching game to game. Cech tries to command the defense, but they decide to not listen to him, allowing dysfunction and confusion to reign supreme. Arsenal will still be contending for a Champions League spot, at least for a Europa League spot, but anything beyond fourth is a dream for Arsenal. Cech will quickly decline in the years to come, finally exiting for a low transfer or his contract will run out.
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