At the back, we have lambasted the distribution of Robert Sanchez and up top, rued missed chances from Nicolas Jackson and company. It's useful to look elsewhere for some solutions to the side's current issues and remember that talent does exist in other areas of the pitch, beyond Cole Palmer.
Levi Colwill
Fans berated the already nervy Robert Sanchez against Ipswich, calling for a change in goal-kick technique that our manager deemed causal to the Tractor Boys’ second goal. The team is geared to play out from the back, bait an opposition press and work the ball forward. We looked clueless hoofing it deep, and although variety can be good, it was the wrong call and was clearly not a prepared routine.
Levi Colwill has both an affinity for intricate play in tighter areas and the range of passing to go long when necessary. He supports attacking moves when possession is secured and offers a safe yet creative option for midfielders to turn back to when under pressure.
Colwill is our most confident ball-playing centre-back and, therefore crucial for Enzo Maresca’s footballing philosophy - which asks defenders to get on the ball a lot - to function.
He is a pivotal feature of our defensive line that is asked to start the majority of our attacking moves. The Cobham-man has the second most completed passes in the Premier League this season, behind only Virgil Van Dijk, in nearly 300 fewer minutes.
These are not just meaningless short balls, however, recording 15 key passes in 2024/25, that dwarf the numbers of fellow centre-halves, Trevor Chalobah (8) and Tosin Adarabioyo (1).
The London derby on Sunday will spur on an already combative Fulham side, if we are to stamp our authority on the game and control possession, Levi Colwill will be key.