Thibaut Courtois is winning the battle with Petr Cech to become Chelsea's No 1

  • Courtois started Chelsea's final pre-season game against Real Sociedad
  • Whilst Cech could be in for a place on the substitute's bench
  • The Czech international has been No 1 at Chelsea for 10 years 

By Matt Barlow

Published: 17:36 EST, 12 August 2014 | Updated: 19:09 EST, 12 August 2014

It felt like the end of an era as Thibaut Courtois waited for fans behind his goal to return the ball, and they started to sing his name: ‘T-Bo, T-Bo.’ The king is dead, long live the king.

Petr Cech, Chelsea’s undisputed No 1 for a decade, sat among the substitutes, naked without his protective headgear.

Jose Mourinho has tried to dance around this subject for most of the summer, but his final decision is looming large and the selection of Courtois against Real Sociedad suggests he will go with the younger man at Burnley on Monday.

VIDEO Scroll down for Jose Mourinho: I know who my first choice goalkeeper will be 

No 1: Thibaut Courtois looks likely to start the season as first-choice for Chelsea

No 1: Thibaut Courtois looks likely to start the season as first-choice for Chelsea

Unwelcome: Whilst Petr Cech looks to be in for some time on the bench for the first time at Chelsea

Unwelcome: Whilst Petr Cech looks to be in for some time on the bench for the first time at Chelsea

Big decision: Jose Mourinho will have to decide which man to select for their Premier League season opener

Big decision: Jose Mourinho will have to decide which man to select for their Premier League season opener

Mourinho did not attempt to fudge the issue by giving the two keepers half a game each. Courtois came out for the second half, too.

Courtois did not have lots to do but did what was required with polish. He made no fuss over routine saves, was a quick from his penalty box when necessary and his handling was clean.

If there is one doubt about the Belgian, it is how he will cope with the extra physical attention and aerial attack in England.

If there are no problems, Big Pete could soon be on his way. If so, he deserves a farewell fit for a hero.

 

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