JASON Pearce says former room-mate and new Cherries signing Asmir Begovic is one of the “top goalkeepers” in the Premier League.

Begovic yesterday penned a long-term deal at Vitality Stadium after finalising his move from Chelsea, where he spent two years following an £8million switch from Stoke.

The 29-year-old played nine games on loan for Cherries back in 2007, when he lined up alongside Pearce, soon after the pair had formed a friendship as youngsters at Portsmouth.

And former Cherries defender Pearce, who featured in the 2008-09 Great Escape season and subsequent promotion campaign, reckons the club’s capture of Begovic sends out a message about the scale of their ambition.

He told the Daily Echo: “Asmir is one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League and getting him is a real statement of intent from the club.

“It is a great signing and shows that Bournemouth are determined to continue progressing.

“He is excellent, very commanding in the area and, as a defender, you can hear him throughout the game. He can be a bit annoying but you want that in your keeper.

“Asmir is a top guy off the pitch and in the dressing room. He is a leader and I think he will bring an enormous amount to the club. It is brilliant.”

Begovic has spent the past couple of seasons trying to displace the excellent Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea’s team and will now battle for his Cherries place with Artur Boruc. Pearce insists the competition will fire up Begovic and – with goalkeepers’ footwork coming under unprecedented scrutiny – the centre-back claims Cherries’ new recruit is the full package.

“He reads the game really well, so you always knew if a ball was played over the top he’d be on his toes and ready to come out,” said Pearce, now playing for League One Charlton.

“He’d be the first to say he had everything as a keeper when he was at Portsmouth but maybe his kicking wasn’t the best.

“Since then, he’s improved so much on the ball and is one of the best in the Premier League.

“He got his big move to Chelsea, played for them and won the league. I think he’s at the stage now where he’s coming into his prime and needs to play football. He wants to play in the Premier League week in, week out and show everyone what he can do.

“Artur Boruc is a very good keeper and has done well for the club but Asmir won’t want to go there and sit on the bench.

“At Chelsea, Courtois had Asmir breathing down his neck and it brought out the best in him, so competition is very healthy.

“Asmir is a big friendly giant. He is a genuine guy who will give his all for the club. The fans will definitely take to him.

“I am really looking forward to seeing him in a Bournemouth shirt and I wish him and the club all the best.”