Mark Hughes: 'Asmir Begovic will challenge Thibaut Courtois'

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 14 July 2015

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes backs Asmir Begovic to challenge Thibaut Courtois as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper following his move to Stamford Bridge.

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has stated that Asmir Begovic will challenge Thibaut Courtois to be the first-choice goalkeeper at Chelsea.

The Bosnian stopper completed his move to Stamford Bridge on Monday, bringing his five-year spell with the Potters to an end.

Hughes is confident that the move is a good one for Begovic.

"Knowing Asmir, he will back his ability," the Stoke boss told the Daily Mail. "He's up against an outstanding goalkeeper in Thibaut Courtois and plainly he's going to be starting as number two. But he's a confident and experienced keeper and he will back his ability against anybody.

"He's gone there because he feels he can develop and you sense that he feels there's a challenge and an opportunity there. I wouldn't be surprised if Asmir is able to put pressure on the number one position. That's arguably the reason he's gone to the club.

"We wish Asmir well. He's into the next chapter of his career. He did great things at Stoke and we're pleased that he was here for that time. He's moved on and we will move on very quickly."

Begovic made 172 appearances in all competitions for Stoke.