Despite rumors of unrest, Chelsea and it’s fans need to stop acting like the Belgian is replaceable.
Thibaut Courtois is an influential character at Stamford Bridge. His presence alone has been vital to several aspects of decision-making throughout the last few seasons.
The Belgian spent significant time on loan to Atletico Madrid, building his reputation and honing his skills. When it seemed that Chelsea could lose the Belgian permanently, Jose Mourinho decided it was time to make the Belgian his number 1 keeper at Stamford Bridge.
This triggered the sale of long-time Chelsea stalwart, Petr Cech to Arsenal, despite the clear talent of the Czech international. Then during this season, despite the best efforts of Asmir Begovic during Courtois’s injury, the Belgian was restored to the starting role, the second he had anything that remotely resembled fitness.
So as the off-season approaches, with Chelsea struggling to find an identity, there are several rumors linking the Belgian with a move away from Stamford Bridge. Some of these links have been fueled by the keeper himself, who responded to the question of whether or not he would remain in West London after this season with uncertainty.
"“I do not say yes, I do not say no. I do not know: I still have three years on my contract. We must see what Chelsea want. It is true that it [this season] has changed me. Until now I had always won a trophy every season. We hope that next season will be better.”"
He then went on to comment how the Belgian National side is filled with only world-class players, where Chelsea cannot boast this fact. This should be worrying to Chelsea fans.
However, it seems to have spurred the wrong reaction among the fan base.
Rather than labeling the player dispensable based on his perceived “lack of loyalty”, Chelsea and it’s fan base should be clinging to every hope that they can hold onto the Belgian.
There seems to be this misconception that life after Courtois won’t be that difficult and that he is easily replaceable. To me, that’s nothing but plain ignorance.
Courtois is only going to continue to get better. Watching him play against Liverpool in the Capital One Semi-Final last season is all one needs to see to witness his true potential. At just 23, he’s in the top three goalkeepers in the world.
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He’s also a match winner. There were times last season that Courtois kept the Blues in matches. His presence allowed the offense time to create something, and squeeze out games that they would have been out of with an ordinary goalkeeper between the sticks.
A healthy Courtois could be the difference of 10-15 points throughout the course of a title campaign, not to mention his big-game performances in the likes of knockout competitions. No Chelsea fan needs to reminded of what Chelsea could do with an extra 10-15 points this season.
Begovic played outstandingly in his absence, but Courtois has the potential to be on an entirely different level. And that’s why Chelsea must do everything they can to keep hold of him.
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Other than purchasing Manuel Neuer or David De Gea, every other alternative will be a downgrade. And Chelsea cannot afford to downgrade any positions this off-season.
It seems that most fans and the club have a problem with Courtois’s quotes and what appears to be his general attitude. They aren’t respectful and it’s frustrating. This is a perfectly understandable concern.
But at a top club, there will be several types of characters that make up a team. Not every player can speak with the grace of Didier Drogba, John Terry, and Frank Lampard. Players will come in with different expectations, youthful ignorance in the case of Courtois, and plain ambition to win trophies. This shouldn’t affect their value on the pitch.
Antonio Conte now has quite the task as he prepares to take the reins in West London. He must avoid this being a situation of hurt egos. This is a case where Chelsea need to swallow their pride and do whatever they can to keep the Belgian.
One season away from the Champions League might not be so bad if there were other incentives to stay, and Chelsea must utilize them all with Courtois.
As for the fans, it’s easy to be hurt by the quotes of the Belgian. Yet it’ll be even easier to be disappointed by the play of a sub-par replacement for the Belgian.
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Therefore, both the fans and the club must get on board with making sure that the Blues don’t lose their star keeper. He’ll never be a fan favorite, but it doesn’t mean he can’t still be a match winner. If he does leave, the West Londoners will have a much bigger problem than a bruised ego.