“Huge opportunity”- Legendary Premier League defender backs Chelsea star to impress in England colours

Rio Ferdinand feels Chelsea star Levi Colwill can establish himself as a key player for England

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has praised Levi Colwill on his performances for Chelsea and has backed him to become a key player for the England senior side at the international stage.

Colwill recorded his first assist when he set up Mykhaylo Mudryk in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fulham on Monday night. His looping cross to find Mudryk was a further testament to his ball-playing ability. A modern-day defender, Colwill has a high ceiling that he can achieve at Chelsea.

Colwill has mainly operated as a hybrid left-back under Mauricio Pochettino and now seems to settle under him in that position. With the injury to Ben Chilwell, he could now be primarily used as a full-back. It brings out the incredible versatility the youngster has in his armoury.

Rio Ferdinand feels Chelsea star Levi Colwill can establish himself as a key player for England . (imago Images)
Rio Ferdinand backs Levi Colwill to lead England’s defensive line. (imago Images)

Colwill was called up for England games against Scotland and Ukraine but didn’t make his appearance, but his recent performance for Chelsea might convince Gareth Southgate to call him once again for the October International break.

Former United centre-back Ferdinand believes Colwill can make a name for himself for the Three Lions. Speaking to the Rising Ballers (h/t Football.London), he said:

“Huge opportunity to become a key fixture in the Three Lions’ backline. I see him as the England centre-half in waiting because I think he’s got everything. I saw him at Brighton in composure, asked to play a different way, and adapted straight away. As long as he stays on it, his mindset stays strong, and he works at his game still, I think he’s got a huge opportunity.”

Rio Ferdinand feels Chelsea star Levi Colwill can establish himself as a key player for England . (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Club and England teammates Colwill and Gallagher. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Levi Colwill has shown great maturity despite being young and has become Chelsea’s key player under Pochettino. Chelsea’s wise decision to send him on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion paid dividends, and there Colwill cultivated into a significant defender. He also inspired the U21 Three Lions to European Championship glory in the summer.

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His consistency will hopefully pay off, given that he was already called up for previous England games but couldn’t make an appearance, but we hope in the next international games he will have a chance to show his traits.

Ferdinand is one of the finest defenders to ever grace the Premier League and he knows a thing or two about what it takes to become a great centre-back. Colwill certainly is a player to watch out for and hopefully, he will go on to eclipse Ferdinand in the coming decade.