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Chelsea goalkeeper Slonina: I've studied the greats like Cech - and Seaman

Chelsea goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina was happy with his recent Premier League 2 debut.

The young shot stopper has arrived at the club this winter having been on loan at Chicago Fire.

Chelsea had agreed the Slonina transfer in the summer, but gave Fire several extra months with their talent until the MLS season concluded.

Since being at Chelsea, Slonina showed his quality in a PL2 game against Wolves.

“I have to give credit to the defense because they did really, really well," he stated on his Premier League 2 debut.

“Their goal is for me not to have a job to do. It was good to be able to see how we play, building out, distribution lines.

“Wearing a Chelsea shirt and playing with whatever squad is always going to be an amazing experience and the boys there are lovely. Right away I felt part of the team, part of the brotherhood so it's really good.:

When asked about keepers who inspire him, Slonina added: “I studied the greats like Petr Cech, Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar, David Seaman, all those guys that are icons of the game and always will be.

“From the modern game, Manuel Neuer was really big for me. I would always watch his highlights and what he could do with the ball. He was so comfortable being like that sweeper-keeper.

“I watch every top keeper – Edouard Mendy, I would watch his highlights. Kepa, I would watch his highlights. Ederson, how he can build out from the back line. Honestly, I try to take something from every single goalkeeper and try to use what I can to make me better.

“After I signed in August it's been an incredible journey and honestly it still doesn't feel real, coming in and training at the Chelsea facilities. I watched this team growing up and it's a dream come true."

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Ansser Sadiq

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