Enzo Maresca's Chelsea blueprint taking Mauricio Pochettino debutant to the very next level
It comes as no surprise to see Levi Colwill take his place in Lee Carsley's England squad for October's international games. The Chelsea centre-back has enjoyed an excellent start to the 2024/25 campaign and he deserves all the recognition that is coming his way at present.
Always going to be an interesting season at Stamford Bridge with Enzo Maresca having options galore across the pitch, the 21-year-old has established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet. Colwill has started all seven of Chelsea's Premier League games at centre-back and has built up a good partnership alongside Wesley Fofana in the process.
Following such an impressive time on loan with Brighton & Hove Albion, it was pretty much an even split between appearances at centre-back and left-back as he made his senior debut in the Chelsea first team when Mauricio Pochettino was in charge. A centre-back by trade, playing time did come at left-back on 16 occasions with Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella out injured.
Colwill did start for England as a left-back in last month's 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland and that versatility is only going to help his game in the long run. However, his long-term future is quite clearly at the heart of defence.
The Southampton-born ace is already a major player in Maresca's Chelsea system and the new head coach has helped the defender's game since his appointment as boss in the summer. Colwill recognises the impact Maresca has had on him and he duly praised him in a recent interview.
"I'm really happy with my form so far this season and I put a lot of that down to the gaffer," Colwill told Chelsea's official website. "He’s given me a lot of confidence and he's put a lot of trust in me to play my football. He wants me to start attacks from the back and having that trust makes me feel a big part of how we want to play.
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"I want to thank him for giving the opportunities to play and for allowing me to play my football in the way I feel I'm good at. He's always pushing me and I'm really enjoy working under him."
Sunday's game against Nottingham Forest was a clear example of just how important Colwill is to the Chelsea team. That was there for all to see just before half-time when he produced a fine block on the stretch to stop Ryan Yates from testing Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal.
The Spaniard clearly appreciated the defensive play from his centre-back as he immediately came out to congratulate him, with full-backs Cucurella and Malo Gusto also doing likewise. Colwill himself knew it was also a vital block as he could be seen celebrating it as he sat on the ground.
In terms of his defensive numbers in the match (via FotMob), the youngster made two clearances, one headed clearance, three interceptions, two recoveries and he won two of his four duels. His numbers when in possession of the ball were also very pleasing on the eye.
Recording a pass completion rate of 94 per cent with 73 of his 78 passes accurate, Colwill was successful with one of his two dribbles, he completed six of his nine long balls and he made seven passes into the final third. The player's quality on the ball is evident and so are the numbers that back up how Maresca wants him to play in terms of starting attacks from the back.
His performances have been noted by others, with WhoScored.com naming his at centre-back in their Under-21 team of the season so far.
Colwill will have a big test in his next Chelsea league game as they travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool. The starlet will have a new defensive partner for the match as Fofana is suspended, with Tosin Adarabioyo looking most likely to come in and take the Frenchman's place.
Prior to then, however, more England international recognition could come his way with Greece and Finland to come in the UEFA Nations League. Spending time at centre-back and left-back last season, Colwill is now flourishing at the heart of defence for Chelsea with Maresca's appointment doing wonders for his game.
Chelsea have some player on their disposal and Maresca could be about to get even more out of him.