Asmir Begovic: Number 2s and cold Stoke evenings

“Can he do it on a cold Wednesday night in Stoke?” Whilst it may be the second most annoying buzz-phrase on Twitter, after reminding Gary Lineker about his upset stomach at Italia 90, it’s also an apt statement for the signing of Asmir Begovic for Chelsea, after 5 seasons at the Britannia. The Bosnian is about as solid and dependable as a backup keeper can get (other than Petr Cech last season), and in his interview with Chelsea TV seemed enthusiastic and ambitious.

Source: chelseafc.com

While the signing of a backup keeper isn’t as marquee as Falcao was, Begovic’s signing shows an ambition from Jose Mourinho’s side, too. It’s a regular habit of his, probably shaped by that eventful evening at the Madjeski and Stephen Hunt’s knee, to have a quality goalkeeper on the bench behind his number one. Carlo Cudicini was arguably the best keeper in the country when Petr Cech took his place back in 2005, as was Cech when Courtois succeeded him, as well as the signing of Diego Lopez at Real Madrid which kicked off the Casillas saga which has just come to its conclusion in the past few days.

This deal is a good one for all parties. For Chelsea, it means that we yet again have a top goalkeeper in reserve in case of an injury to Thibaut Courtois, and strength in depth is always important for a charge on all fronts. For Stoke, they receive £8 million for a 29 year old; and whilst goalkeepers usually can keep playing for longer than those outfield, they have ready-made replacement in Jack Butland, a man who has impressed when called into action, and someone I see as a future England number one. For Begovic himself, despite less game time, he has increased his likelihood of getting his hands on silverware: don’t forget that Ross Turnbull and Henrique Hilario are European Champions.

The only issue I have is when he’s going to play. Begovic, whilst not on Courtois’ level, is too good a talent to not play whatsoever, and I’m sure Mourinho knows this. I felt Petr Cech didn’t play as near as many games as I (or he) would’ve liked, with Courtois given the nod over him in the latter stages of the League Cup, and our early exit from the FA Cup against Bradford. I’d like to see, injuries permitting, Begovic played in all Domestic Cup competitions, and maybe even against the bottom seed in the Champions League group stage. However, draws and seasons in general are unpredictable, so we’ll have to wait and see what UEFA throw our way.

So, this clearly has the potential to be a great transfer. For the second season running, we have the best backup keeper in the league, meaning long term injuries to Thibaut Courtois aren’t as big a worry (remember in 03/04 when we had to play Marco Ambrosio in a Champions League Semi Final?). Also, if one squad role in recent times has made more cult heroes in the past few years, it would be the substitute goalkeeper; aforementioned European Champions Hilario and Turnbull are remembered on fond terms in SW6. Win a few trophies and give some decent performances in a whatever-Adidas-decide-to-make-the-goalkeeper’s-kit shirt, and Asmir Begovic could go down in Chelsea folklore.