Ex-Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand believes Chelsea centre-back Levi Colwill has all the attributes to become one of the best defenders in the world.
Speaking to Rising Ballers, the TNT Sports pundit said he expects the 20-year-old to be a regular starter for England in the not-too-distant future:
“I see him as the England centre-half in waiting because I think he’s got everything. I see him at Brighton, composure, asked to play a different way, adapted straight away.”
“As long as he stays on it, his mindset stays strong, works at his game still, I think he’s got a huge opportunity.”
Chelsea clearly have a lot of faith in Colwill too, having handed him a 6-year contract, with an option for an additional 12 months, back in the summer.
Pochettino is a fan of Colwill’s
In addition to Ferdinand, Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has already made his feelings clear about the player’s potential. Back in July, after Chelsea beat Brighton 4-3 in a friendly, the Argentine said:
“I am happy with him, his performance was good today, better than what I expected because it is only the first game with us after the season with Brighton. I am so happy, he can be one of the greatest centre-backs in England.”
Colwill has started his Chelsea career as a fullback
Despite Pochettino’s words, the manager has actually decided to use him as a left-back in the opening weeks of the season, rather than in the middle of defence.
It hasn’t affected Colwill’s performances, who showed off his excellent passing range against Fulham on Monday night by setting up Mykhailo Mudryk for the opening goal in the 2-0 win.
Over the long term, though, it seems that both Ferdinand and Pochettino agree that Colwill will evolve into a formidable centre-half.
