Petr Cech, the legendary Chelsea goalkeeper, has thrown his support behind young shot-stopper Antonin Kinsky after the latter's permanent switch to Tottenham Hotspur from Slavia Prague.
The 21-year-old Kinsky made the move earlier on Sunday, with the North London club securing his services for an initial fee of £12.5 million. He is poised to take the starting position in goal for Spurs, likely ahead of Fraser Forster and Brandon Austin in the upcoming matches.
In a candid conversation with The Playbook House, Cech shared his insights on Kinsky's transition to the Premier League. The former Chelsea and Arsenal custodian remarked (h/t Tribal Football):
"I wouldn't worry about Kinsky being at a disadvantage because of his younger age. In the Premier League, it's quite typical to see talents as young as 17 years old making their mark. Players who can contribute to the team's success take to the pitch, and I believe Antonin will prove his worth through his performances."
Cech, who enjoyed a glittering spell with Chelsea, capturing 15 trophies between 2004 and 2015, reiterated his excitement over Kinsky's move:
"I am delighted for him to get this chance. Tottenham is a prestigious club that consistently pushes for UEFA Champions League qualification. I have faith that he will thrive there, as the style of play under their coach will play to his strengths, particularly his ability to distribute the ball effectively."
Reflecting on his own journey to England at a similar age, Cech offered some advice: "I would encourage him to focus primarily on his football. It's crucial to approach every training session and match with the utmost seriousness and readiness. We've discussed his transfer, and I shared my thoughts, but he possesses the maturity to succeed, greatly aided by his supportive family background."
In November, Tottenham faced a setback with the injury of star goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who suffered an ankle injury. Since then, they have leaked 23 goals over 11 matches, managing just a single clean sheet in that stretch.
Kinsky, whose contract with Spurs runs until June 2031, could provide a much-needed boost for the club. He has shown remarkable development over the past year, even being called up to the Czechia national team on four occasions.