This weekend’s set of Premier League games heralded the return of Thibaut Courtois to the Chelsea team. The Belgian has been missing from the Chelsea first team since the start of September where he picked up a knee injury while training with Chelsea just after returning from International duty. Courtois has been forced to sit and watch as his team lose ground on the Premier League leaders and has ultimately returned with Chelsea already out of the title race.
Irrespective of the timing of Courtois’ return, it will be a welcome sight for manager Jose Mourinho. The manager has overseen an upturn in results for Chelsea even if their form is still poor. Mourinho will hope a hard fought victory against Norwich and a positive point against the Premier League’s in-form team in Tottenham will be the catalyst for the revival of their season, although Saturday's loss against Premier League new comers AFC Bournemouth will have slowed any recovery taking place in Mourinho's side.However, Chelsea’s fans, players and staff cannot claim that the loss of their goalkeeper has been the reason for their slump. While losing one of the best goalkeepers in the World is of course a huge blow for any team, the backup they have got has not been found wanting.
After Petr Cech left for Arsenal in a £10 million move in the summer, Chelsea fans were left wondering whether or not Courtois would receive an ample challenge from the second choice keeper. Asmir Begovic proved to fans and critics alike that Courtois’ claim for the jersey would not go unchallenged. However even Begovic could not have foreseen the extended game time he would get when he made his move from Stoke.
After Courtois’ sending off in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Swansea on the opening day of the season, Begovic has been in fine form. The Bosnian was in inspired mood as he single-handedly kept Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero from scoring five before the break with a half dubbed ‘Aguero vs Begovic’. City eventually ran out 3-0 winners in a crushing defeat in which Chelsea and Mourinho got it all wrong. The only positive of the day was Begovic’s performance in a game which, on another day, could have been seven or eight nil.
Since then, Begovic has continued his good form even in a number of losing causes. His performances have gained him very few plaudits though as a goalkeeper is often only credited when the result is on their side. The landscape could look even worse for Chelsea had it not been for the efforts of the Bosnian.
Mourinho seems unsure as to whether Courtois will start against Bournemouth this weekend though. It may be due to the form of his current starting goalkeeper that has caused indecision for the manager, however it is more likely that Courtois may not be as match fit after his injury as Mourinho would like.
So who should start if both are available? Noting that Courtois is returning from a long term injury, it would perhaps make more sense to play Begovic in what is a must win game against Bournemouth, one of the teams in the relegation zone, at Stamford bridge. Begovic will be more settled with his defence and that will work the other way too. A high level of stability should not be underestimated for Chelsea, especially in the situation they are in now. Two consecutive clean sheets will have been a welcome sight for Mourinho who’s team defensively are a paradox to last season in which they conceded 32 goals in 38 games in comparison to 23 in 14 this term.
Therefore the more sensible option would be to let Begovic retain his place in goal. Perhaps another week of full training before a return will be more beneficial for Courtois and Chelsea. It is almost definite that when Mourinho deems Courtois ready, he will immediately ascend to his starting place. This is not a criticism of Begovic’s ability, but rather a compliment to the immense talent of the goalkeeper he has been deputising for. Therefore Begovic will not be allowed a run in the team until a mistake or a dip in form tarnish his season in the way many other teams would do when their first choice goalkeeper returns after a spell on the side-lines.
It is a thankless situation for Begovic. He has filled the gloves of Courtois expertly since the Belgian’s injury and has played to the height of his ability to prop up the ailing players around him. However the performances of his teammates, too many defeats and the return of Courtois will ultimately spell the end of what has been a very enlightening spell in the Chelsea goal.
If it has done nothing else, it has proven that if Courtois were to lose form or have a lapse in focus, there is a goalkeeper on the bench ready and waiting to replace him. Begovic though will have to bide his time. However, he may take solace in the fact that another goalkeeper arrived at Chelsea and was forced to sit on the bench and wait before he eventually got his chance. He eventually went on to become one of the most decorated and celebrated goalkeepers in Chelsea’s history. While he may now play for the red half of London, he will always be remembered for his incredible performances, his service to the club and those penalty saves in a certain Champions League final.
Source: DSG
