WHY PETR GETS MY PICK OVER THIBAUT

SHOT-STOPPING

COURTOIS 9/10 The Belgian is massive, at 6ft 7in. He fills the goal and makes it intimidating for attackers. He gets down very quickly to stop shots. CECH 9/10 Cech is a big lad, too (6ft 5in) and has similar strengths to Courtois. To emphasise this, Cech saved 76.6 per cent of the shots he faced last season, while Courtois stopped 74.45 per cent.

DISTRIBUTION

COURTOIS 8/10 He’s so confident in his own technical ability, which is so impressive aged just 23. The way he took the winning penalty against PSG showed what a beautiful striker of the ball he is and he has no trouble finding his team-mates with his feet. CECH 8/10 Cech is good with his feet and brilliant at distributing the ball with his hands, which can help his side be dangerous on the counter-attack.

ORGANISING DEFENCE

COURTOIS 7.5/10 It takes time to build up a relationship with the defenders but he’s clearly doing that. It’s an established defence at Chelsea and this has helped Courtois. CECH 8.5/10 Cech knew that Chelsea line-up inside out and it will take him time to adapt to a new team but his experience at the age of 33 makes him a calming presence.

COMING OFF THE LINE

COURTOIS 8.5/10 Courtois is comfortable coming to get to the ball and as long as he’s claiming it or getting good enough contact to push it away from danger it’s not a problem. CECH 8.5/10 Cech is happy closer to his line, but he’s willing to come out when necessary. I believe a goalkeeper can be just as effective on the penalty spot as he can outside the box.

AERIAL ABILITY

COURTOIS 8/10 When you’re as big as Courtois it makes it easier to deal with crosses and set pieces. His height helps him dominate in the air. CECH 8/10 Cech excels in the air and is comfortable catching crosses.

BIG-GAME MENTALITY

COURTOIS 8/10 He’s already played in Champions League, Europa League and Copa del Rey finals and I can’t recall him making any big mistakes. He’s fitted straight in at Chelsea, where big games come thick and fast. CECH 9/10 He’s got more big-game experience than Courtois because he’s been playing for so much longer. He’s excelled in big games, particularly that Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 2012.

TOTAL

COURTOIS..................................49/60 CECH ......................................... 51/60