CARLO CUDICINI

CARLO CUDICINI

CARLO CUDICINI

Chelsea's undisputed first choice keeper between 2002 and 2004, Carlo was many people's pick of the Premiership goalies during that time thanks to super-sharp reflexes, speed off his line, ability with his feet and penalty-stopping excellence.

However the arrival of Petr Cech in the summer of 2004 meant stiff competition between the posts and Carlo has become second choice. He was especially unfortunate during last season when his own injury difficulties coincided with much of Cech's three-month absence.

A bargain £160,000 buy by Gianluca Vialli, Carlo built his reputation in England having been knocked back by injury in his homeland.

He was voted Chelsea's Player of the Year for the 2001/2 season and was sorely missed during spells out with injury the following campaign.

It was little wonder then that Chelsea bolstered the goalkeeping stock with Cech in the summer of 2004. But Carlo signed a contract extension to 2009 to stay and fight for his place. Only John Terry has been at Chelsea longer

CARLO CUDICINI

CARLO CUDICINI