Chelsea

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A commanding presence in the penalty area and a superb shot-stopper, Petr Cech has established himself as one the finest goalkeepers in the world.

National team
Having announced himself as the star of his nation's surprise victory in the 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, Cech underlined his senior credentials with a series of fine displays as the Czechs won UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 3 ahead of the Netherlands, before reaching the semi-finals in Portugal. The goalkeeper kept five clean sheets in the competition and was named in the All-Star Squad. Cech remains first choice in FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Club
Although he had made his debut as a 17-year-old for FK Chmel Blšany in 1999, Cech really came of age in the 2001/02 campaign following a €700,000 transfer to AC Sparta Praha. The young custodian proceeded to set a national record by going 855 minutes without conceding. He then began Sparta's UEFA Champions League campaign by shutting out holders FC Bayern München, and was not beaten until Matchday 5.

2002: Cech joined Stade Rennais FC in July 2002 for a reported fee of €5m. The Czech was a virtual ever-present as Stade Rennais preserved their Ligue 1 status and reached the Coupe de France semi-finals.

2004/05: Joined Chelsea FC in June 2004 for €10.3m on a five-year contract and immediately helped his new club to clinch the Premiership title, the English League Cup and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. Regarded as one of the key members of the side, Cech's presence in goal only added to the team's confidence. Cech made 35 league appearances, conceding only 13 goals in the process.