Asmir Begovic Won't Settle for Second Best

Diego, meet Asmir

It’s easy to be cynical about transfers with the bloated figures that surround them. Most players earn more in a week than I’ll see in a lifetime. The bastards. So when a first-choice goalkeeper moves to a team with an established keeper in place, it’s natural to assume that it’s simply a money move. That the player wants nothing more than to update his social medial channels from the warm embrace of the bench.

This certainly seemed like the case for Asmir Begovic who left his role as first choice goalkeeper at Stoke to, by and large, Thibaut Courtois’ understudy. But is he really a player looking for an easy ride and a better view of the game than any one of us have.* He might just have ambitions that go beyond keeping Cuadrado Salah Falcao (other players may be available) company on the bench.
Begovic has proven over the last few seasons that he was reluctant to take on the role of a number 2. He’s previously been scouted by a number of other clubs including Tottenham, Southampton, Manchester United and even Real Madrid. If he was happy to settle for playing the bridesmaid he would have done it long before now.

Before making the move to Stamford Bridge, Begovic was locked in contract negotiations with Stoke for the last 12 months. Beyond his concerns of an undervaluation from the Potters - and who could blame him with the attention he’s received - there may have been an undercurrent of trouble with Mark Hughes.

Somewhat ironically given his current position, Begovic was disgruntled at the end of last season for being left on the bench because Hughes was looking to give a few games to England international Jack Butland. Hughes did not think Begovic should play just because he wanted to and criticised his focus. Hughes stated that Begovic’s “mind was not focused to be on the bench” and kept him out of the squad. For a man who’s resisted settling for being a squad player at arguably bigger and better clubs - the Bosnian wasn’t going to settle for that position at Stoke.

Begovic will be aware that he’s not going to displace Thibaut Courtois at Chelsea. Obviously if Petr Cech couldn’t there’s not a goalkeeper around at the moment that could. But Chelsea, more than most of the traditional ‘big teams’ could provide opportunity for Begovic to not feel like he’s simply making up the numbers. That he’s an important part of a bigger project.

Chelsea have been horrifically unlucky in the past decade with goalkeeper injuries. Not that Courtois is bound to be injured next season - but he was injured twice last season and missed a few games in his final season with Atletico with back trouble. No one counts on an injury but these things happen and backup goalkeepers need to be ready to be called upon at a moment’s notice. Something as simple as the broken finger suffered at White Hart Lane by Courtois last season could give Begovic the chance to see why he was so often courted. Only 1 GK in the last 4 seasons has made more saves than Begovic in the Premier League. Don't let those 45 minutes against NY Red Bulls fool you.

This may surprise some of you, but José Mourinho is not a man for sentiment. I’ll let that sink in …

Mourinho has no problem dropping a player for having a bad game if he’s got a suitable backup at the ready. His pragmatism, or perhaps ego, saw him drop Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas without a care in the world. Courtois has proven himself a top keeper but no player is infallible. Should he see himself in the midst of a poor run in the coming season, Begovic could find an opportunity.

Beyond the disparity in valuation between Begovic and Stoke on his worth, it’s possible the Bosnian felt stagnated. Chelsea not only will provide the goalkeeper with additional competitions like Big Cup, but he will be able to test himself with and against a different class of players. No offence to Stoke. He’s said this week that “even after the first week you can see the quality [at Chelsea] and how they can improve you with the levels and demands here.”

“I want to test myself against Thibaut. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world but I believe in myself. I want to try and get as many games as I can,” he said. “Hopefully every time I can show everybody what I’m all about and ultimately help this team. We all have to play our part and at a club like this I think you get to do so.

“There have been no guarantees. The challenge that’s here, the manager and players, was what attracted me and that was a big part of my decision. I’ll back myself, absolutely. I’ll be keeping my head down and working hard to see how I can help this team in the future.”

Not one content to just be second best, Chelsea have secured themselves a goalkeeper that is at the top of his game and more than willing to fight for a place in the team. While Begovic has found a club that can help him push beyond the plateau he had reached at Stoke and further his development as a goalkeeper. Cash will always play its part in modern football, but this transfer is one that could benefit all parties concerned and not just be about making up numbers on the bench and bank account.

In the last 2 seasons, Begovic has scored more goals in the league that Cesar Azpilicueta. If he doesn't get in goal, he could just end up being the unlikely backup for Diego Costa's hamstrings.

jb xx

*arguably my view is somewhat impaired by me being somewhat vertically challenged compared to those around me — either way it would be brilliant to watch the game from the bench