Xabi Alonso has identified Levi Colwill as one of Chelsea’s key players and believes the defender can rank among the best centre-backs in world football when fully fit.
The 23-year-old enters the new Premier League season after completing a full pre-season following the serious knee injury which disrupted almost his entire 2025/26 campaign.
Chelsea deliberately avoided rushing Colwill during his recovery, but Alonso believes that patience has now put the England international in a much stronger position.
Speaking before Monday’s Premier League opener against Fulham, Alonso described Colwill as one of the world’s leading centre-backs because of his composure and presence.
He also labelled the academy graduate complete and dominant before making clear that Colwill will be a key player in his Chelsea side.
🚨 Xabi Alonso on Levi Colwill:
"For me, he is one of the best centre backs in the world." 🌎💫
(@BobbyVincentFL) #CFC pic.twitter.com/uudPnELRF5
— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) August 20, 2026
Levi Colwill becomes central to Chelsea rebuild
The timing of Alonso’s comments is particularly significant.
Chelsea are currently attempting to reduce the number of centre-backs in their squad after another summer of defensive change.
Axel Disasi is working towards another departure, Mamadou Sarr has been made available for a permanent transfer and Aston Villa have shown interest in Tosin Adarabioyo.
Colwill’s position appears considerably more secure.
ReadChelsea reported during pre-season that Colwill believes Alonso’s possession demands suit his qualities, with the defender particularly comfortable stepping forward and playing through pressure from the left side of defence.
Alonso has now offered perhaps the strongest indication yet of how important those qualities will be.
Chelsea’s own pre-season analysis highlighted Colwill among the players looking particularly sharp after receiving a full summer programme, while Alonso has been careful to build his workload gradually.
There is also a notable consistency in how Chelsea’s coaches view him.
Former interim boss Calum McFarlane similarly described Colwill as one of the world’s best centre-backs following his return last season.
Alonso has now arrived at essentially the same conclusion.
Chelsea may still be deciding which defenders leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer deadline.
There appears to be considerably less uncertainty over the player Alonso wants at the heart of the defence that remains.
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