Kinsky Can Follow in My Footsteps, Says Petr Cech
Czech goalkeeping legend Petr Cech has shared his thoughts on compatriot Antonin Kinsky's move to Tottenham, praising his talent and family background.
Petr Cech, a legendary figure in the Premier League, has expressed his optimism about the potential of his compatriot Antonin Kinsky to thrive at Tottenham Hotspur. Following Kinsky's transfer from Slavia Prague on Sunday, Cech believes the 21-year-old possesses “all the right ingredients” to succeed in the Premier League.
As a highly decorated goalkeeper with 443 Premier League appearances for Chelsea and Arsenal, Cech is well-versed in what it takes to excel in the English top flight. Boasting the most clean sheets in Premier League history, Cech built a reputation for his exceptional shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box.
Since his last Premier League appearance in 2018, only one Czech goalkeeper, Vitezslav Jaros, has seen action in the league. Now, Antonin Kinsky is set to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot Petr Cech, having signed a six-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of 12.5 million pounds. This transfer makes Kinsky the most expensive goalkeeper from the Czech league to move abroad.
Petr Cech, who paved the way for Czech goalkeepers in the Premier League, believes Kinsky has what it takes to succeed. Cech expressed his confidence in the young goalkeeper, stating, “I wouldn't worry about him being at a disadvantage because of his younger age. When we look at the Premier League, it's not uncommon to come across players who are maybe 17 years old.” Cech emphasized that Kinsky's success will depend on his performance, adding, “When they have something to give to the team, they just play. So I think with Antonin it will be all about his performance.”
As Antonin Kinsky embarks on his first foreign adventure, Petr Cech, who also began his English sojourn at a young age, offered some sage advice. “I came to England at a similar age. So I would advise him to concentrate mainly on football. To prepare for every training session, for every game and to be on his toes all the time,” Cech said, drawing from his own experiences.
As one of the most decorated goalkeepers in Premier League history, Cech's opinion carries significant weight, and Kinsky was eager to seek his counsel on the move to Tottenham. Cech revealed that the two had discussed the transfer, saying, “We spoke about the transfer and I told him my opinion. But I don't think he needed it.” Cech also praised Kinsky's family background, particularly his relationship with his father, Antonin Sr. “He is very lucky to have a great family background. He and his dad, Antonin Sr., have a great relationship and it's one of the things that has made him move so fast in his career,” Cech added, recalling his own encounter with Kinsky Sr. during the EURO 2004 national team campaign.
Antonin Kinsky Jr.'s national team debut is eagerly anticipated, and with his recent success and high-profile transfer, it's likely only a matter of time before he earns his first start ahead of Matej Kovar. Similarly, at Tottenham, Kinsky will face competition for a starting spot, but the injury to Guglielmo Vicario has simplified the situation. He may make his debut as early as Wednesday in the League Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool.
Petr Cech weighed in on Kinsky's potential debut, saying, “If he starts on Wednesday, it depends on the coach and the current feeling of Antonin. I think if he gets the chance, it could be an advantage for him because he would basically have nothing to lose in that game.” Cech also emphasized the importance of the coach's confidence in Kinsky, noting, “Plus, the coach would let him know he has his confidence. This is always important at the start of a new adventure.” Only time will tell if Kinsky can build on the Czech goalkeeping legacy in the Premier League.
The Czech Republic has a rich history of producing talented goalkeepers who have gone on to succeed in the English top flight. Ludek Miklosko, Pavel Srnicek, Jan Stejskal, Radek Cerny, and Jan Lastuvka are just a few examples of Czech goalkeepers who have made a name for themselves in the Premier League. According to Petr Cech, Antonin Kinsky is the latest talent to emerge from this esteemed goalkeeping pipeline. “I am very happy that he got the opportunity. The Premier League is the best league in the world, and he can build on the tradition that the Czech goalkeeping school has there. It's good for the whole of Czech football,” Cech revealed.
Cech is not only confident in Kinsky's abilities but also believes that Tottenham Hotspur is the perfect club for him. “Tottenham is a traditional club that regularly fights for the Champions League. I believe that he will do well, and that the club will suit him,” Cech said. He also highlighted the fact that Tottenham's playing style, which emphasizes goalkeepers playing with their feet, will play to Kinsky's strengths. “The role in the team should suit him because the coach wants the goalkeepers to play with their feet, which is his great asset,” Cech added.
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