Thibaut Courtois is unfazed by the challenge ahead of him to earn a first team spot in the side due to the presence of Petr Cech, and suggests the battle to be in goal will encourage a positive environment for both players to improve through the season, according to the Daily Mail.

Cech has been guarding the Chelsea goal for a decade, and began his career at Stamford Bridge as Jose Mourinho’s number one goalkeeper. The club had the most successful years with Cech in goal, but the emergence of Courtois has been a revelation in the world football. Several young goalkeepers like David de Gea joined big clubs in England like Manchester United, but could not handle the intense pressure of the Barclays Premier League in the early going.

Courtois has been successful in his three-year loan spell at Atletico Madrid, winning the La Liga title eventually last year under Diego Simeone. There was speculation at the end of last season that the Belgian could be signed by the Spanish outfit again on loan while Cech played out his last season as Chelsea’s number one. However, the rumours were soon dismissed by Mourinho, who confirmed both Cech and Courtois will stay at the club and fight for the number one spot.

The 22-year old is yet to play for Chelsea in the league, and will be aiming to perform well in his first season for the club once he gets the chance.