Name: Petr Cech
Nationality: Czech
Position: Goalkeeper
Former Clubs: Sparta Prague, Stade Rennais
D.O.B: 20/05/1982
Squad Number: 1

In 2004, Petr Cech was signed for a fee of £7 million: a larger fee that all previous Chelsea goalkeepers combined. The tall Cech had to be talented in order to take number one spot off keeper Carlo Cudicini. His height, confidence and lightening fast reaction speeds caught the eye and Jose Mouriniho made him first choice keeper.

In his first season he set a new English Premier League record, managing to go 1024 minutes without conceding a goal. Statistics also show he kept more clean-sheets than any keeper in Chelsea history. Not only did he play a significant role in winning Chelsea the League championship, but he also received the award of Barclays Golden Gloves for 2004/05.

In his second season, Cech managed to stay on top form. In doing so, he won back to back league winners’ medals. In October 2006, the keepers career was in doubt as he received a major blow to the head in a league match against Hull City. Cech had to receive 30 stitches to the wound after fracturing his skill before making a return only three months later. For the rest of his playing days Cech will wear a skull protector because of the collision.

Cech was quick in finding form again and still is Chelsea’s number one. In season 2010/11 his performances were rewarded by his club as he was voted Chelsea’s Player of The Year. At International level Cech has also been  prolific. The keeper has won Czech Footballer of The year on four occasions as well as captaining Czech Republic in their Euro 2008 match versus Germany.