There is currently a lot of uncertainty around the Chelsea defense, so the Blues may need to rely on their young academy players to provide a spark going forward. Andreas Christensen looks like he is virtually out the door to Camp Nou, while Cesar Azpilicueta’s contract has been extended by another 12 months as a clause in his contract was activated prior to the sanctions being handed down. The heart and soul of the Blues’ back line, Antonio Rudiger, is in talks with several teams for a new contract around Europe including Barcelona and Juventus. If Christensen and Rudiger do leave over the summer, Tuchel will have his hands full trying to find replacements for his experienced centerbacks.
Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr will no doubt be of use, but if the team wants depth, on-loan defender Levi Colwill could be the answer to the problem. The Southampton native moved from the Chelsea U23 team to Championship side Huddersfield Town AFC on loan in early July of 2021. Colwill has been a catalyst for the Terriers as they’ve climbed all the way to fourth in the second division. If Huddersfield can hang on, it will get a chance to get back into the Premier League for the first time since being relegated via a last-place finish in the 2018/19 campaign. Colwill looks to be an important piece for the Blues’ future though, regardless of where the Terriers finish.
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Levi Colwill looks to be an important piece for Chelsea’s future back line
Last week, Colwill made his debut for the Three Lions under-21s at the centerback position in a win over Andorra. His legend throughout England has only grown during his marvelous loan with Huddersfield. People associated with the Terriers have talked about the Chelsea loanee looks to be one of the best centerbacks that has played in the white and blue in quite some time. Colwill uses his raw strength and lateral quickness to get in front of attacking threats. He has displayed the ability this season to play sublime through balls from the centerback position, as well. Even at 19, Colwill never panics when under pressure. He’s even grown adept at finding a way to pick the pocket of the opposing forward and build up an attack from the back during this season.
The way Colwill is playing this year in arguably one of the hardest leagues in Europe demonstrates that he has the potential to be the next great defender at Stamford Bridge. Legends in the back have come and gone throughout the history of the Blues, and Colwill has the stature, explosiveness and potential to transform the defense in the future. Academy defenders like Marc Guehi and Tino Livramento departed west London during the summer, which has led to Colwill being put front and center in the youth ranks. Other academy players like Ian Maatsen and Dujon Sterling provide the Blues with even more young depth, but Colwill has that “it” factor that many other talented youngsters simply do not.
The Terriers have had a number of electrifying loanees over the years, but their head of football operations, Leigh Bromby, spoke of Colwill with high remarks. The former Leeds defender stated:
"“He’s looking to improve and working to get better. Talent-wise, for his age, he is the best I’ve seen when I’ve either been playing or coaching. The chances, for me, are so high that he will go back and play for Chelsea and England.”"
The current situation at Chelsea has brought to light the importance of the youth academy to the club. Watching Colwill show his quality in the Championship this season is exactly what the Blues need. It may take some time to get him integrated with the senior team, but from what he has shown so far, it will not take long. Losing two central defenders would create a massive hole at any club, but when it comes to Chelsea, its academy players are able to supplement the losses. As Huddersfield tries to make it back into the top flight, the Chelsea world has the privilege of sitting back and watching Colwill as he continues to grow his legend.
What do you think the future holds for Colwill with the Blues? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!