Petr Cech snubs himself as he picks out best goalkeepers of all time

18 February 2024 , 23:51

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Petr Cech has named his top three goalkeepers in history (Image: Getty Images)

Petr Cech has named Gianluigi Buffon as the greatest goalkeeper in history after being pressed on his top three.

The Czech legend was a huge presence during his time in the Premier League and is regarded as one of the competition's greatest shot stoppers. He made over 300 appearances for Chelsea and Arsenal and still holds records for the most clean sheets in a single season.

Cech was asked who his top three would be and quickly named the Italian legend, who recently retired after spending nearly 30 years in between the sticks. Once upon a time Buffon was the world's most expensive goalkeeper following his move to Juventus.

When quizzed on his trio Cech said on Sky Sports: "A tough question, but definitely I put Gigi Buffon in there. Definitely put Neuer will be in there. It's always difficult to leave so many great ones out, but Peter Schmeichel will be my choice in there as well."

The Premier League winner then clarified that he would put them in that order when naming a top three, citing the World Cups won by Buffon and Neuer as key reasons. The Italian won the tournament in 2006 after a penalty shooutout whilst Neuer was champion in 2014.

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The German came through the ranks at Schalke but has been at Bayern Munich for over a decade, winning the Champions League twice. His ability to be a sweeper keeper has also seen him hailed over the past decade.

Schmeichel meanwhile was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's stellar purchases and helped Manchester United dominate through the 1990s before departing after their treble triumph. Alongside Cech he is regarded as one of the Premier League's greatest goals.

Gianluigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer are both World Cup winners

Cech helped Chelsea conquer Europe in 2012 with Bayern Munich's Mario Gomez opening up on the goalkeeper's brilliance. He told Amazon Prime: "I put the ball down and look at Cech, who's standing there and was a monster. It was clear to me I was going to hit the ball into one corner powerfully otherwise he would get to it. As I turn back around, I think no he'll save it. On the way to the ball I changed my mind and went for the other corner.

"The mad thing is afterwards I have doping control. Cech is sitting with me in doping control, he's shy and reserved. "Eventually he said 'Hey, what was with the penalty? You wanted to shoot towards the other corner first.' It totally confused me. He pretty much said what happened in me. That's brutal. It made me realise again what a great goalkeeper he is. He reads the players and the players' body language."

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Samuel Meade