LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Head Coach Enzo Maresca with Levi Colwill of Chelsea after their sides 2-1 win during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Newcastle United FC at Stamford Bridge on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Levi Colwill has become a close ally of Enzo Maresca at Chelsea
Levi Colwill has credited manager Enzo Maresca for calming the chaos at Chelsea.
England defender Colwill has flourished under Maresca this season with Chelsea fighting for the Premier League title at the top and unbeaten in Europe. Years of chop and change have served up indifferent results at Stamford Bridge but Colwill now believes Chelsea have the right strategy in place to return to their glory days.
“It’s due to the manager,” Colwill said ahead of Sunday's clash against Aston Villa. “He’s come in and given us that confidence. He’s set us up amazingly and we’re going into games and, it’s fair to say, we’re battering most teams.
“We’re playing really good football. People are not looking at us with a question mark anymore. They know we’re gonna play good football and try to win games. That is what we have been doing so far this season.”
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“I would be scared to play against us. The way we break teams down and create so many chances on goal is amazing. It’s no shock.
"When you are playing really good football, teams are going to change to try and hurt you. We just have to keep adapting to it, keep playing our football and keep winning games.”
Maresca praised Colwill earlier this season for his emergence as one of the main leaders within the group and now the 21-year-old has his sights set on becoming the future club captain.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Levi Colwill of Chelsea is challenged by Antony of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on December 06, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Having captain Chelsea once in the Premier League last season, Colwill is looking to take on the role permanently
“I think I have always had leadership qualities in me,” he continued. "Last season I did captain the side a few times. So I have always had it in me. Maybe at the start of the season I wasn’t showing it much to him.
"But I think the team all know I am definitely growing as a player and a person around the team and trying to help out as much as possible. The most obvious one is communicating.
"And, no matter the game I am having, trying to help my team-mates as much as possible, to organise them and give them the best chance of winning the ball back or attacking. I think it just comes down to that.”
“There is nothing more I could ask for. The gaffer has given me that trust, for me to play my best football on the pitch, and I have got no excuses. Obviously playing with Wes, Benoit, Cucurella, Reece when he’s fit, it’s been amazing because they are all top top players.
“I have just been enjoying it. I am looking forward to Sunday’s game.” Life for Colwill could not get much sweeter at the moment but there is just one downside.
“It’s probably the travelling, it’s a lot. But it’s worth it,” he added. I could not complain one bit about living at home. I get treated like a king by my mum and dad and little brother. It’s the best thing I’ve done.”
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