Mark Schwarzer's move to Chelsea has proven the need for an elite goalkeeper to be able to backstop a team in the highest tier of football in the world. Schwarzer has built a reputation around being solid, consistent and calm; goalkeepers have to be a constant sign of reliability to get picked and have long careers, and Schwarzer had been the model of consistency for Fulham for a number of years before the switch. With Sketelenburg out injured for most of the season, Fulham's woes have been added to with their goalkeeping options. Given the chance to play against Sunderland last weekend, perhaps due to Mourinho feeling they were up against a weaker side. Argentina's choice Sergio Romero has been playing for Monaco, only as of late, simply out of coaching pressure and Rio looming, and this may have also be a reason.
Either way, with Cech getting injured in the Champion's League match against Athletico Madrid, Chelsea were lucky enough for Shwarzer being given playing time as he has been thrown into the thick of things. It may only be three games, but it could really define the season for Chelsea.
With the World Cup just around the corner, and Schwarzer limiting his chances for selection by going from a team where he would arguably play every single game to being on a team only to bench warm, he really needed some game time to build up his prep and be ready for his international squad. Without matches, he could be incredibly rusty. The reason Julio Cesar took a loan deal to play in Toronto. So with Cech being injured, now is perfect time for Shwarzer to prove he's still 'got it' for club and country.
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