David James: 'Asmir Begovic will challenge Thibaut Courtois'

Former England goalkeeper David James has claimed that Asmir Begovic can replace Thibaut Courtois in the Chelsea side this season.

Courtois enjoyed an impressive first campaign in the Premier League as Jose Mourinho's side lifted the title, but James believes that Asmir Begovic, who was signed to replace Petr Cech earlier this summer, is good enough to give the Chelsea boss a selection headache.

"Asmir is a very, very good goalkeeper. Courtois came with a massive reputation and I was his biggest fan at Atletico," he told reporters.

"Last season maybe it was new to him but he's going to have to improve this season otherwise Begovic will have an opportunity to really fight for that position.

"I know, historically, Jose Mourinho isn't frightened to drop key players. He did with Cech a couple of years ago and told him to buck his ideas up. He did with Iker Casillas at Real Madrid. If Asmir gets his chance, he's good enough."

Chelsea start the season by hosting Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.