Tottenham legend Ledley King has openly admitted his admiration for one of Chelsea’s standout defenders, showcasing his appreciation for the young star. It’s not often that you hear a former Tottenham player speak so highly of a rival team’s player, but King’s praise for Chelsea’s first-team defender, Levi Colwill, is a testament to the talent that the 21-year-old possesses.
Chelsea’s current squad is built on depth, with two high-quality players vying for nearly every position. This includes the defensive unit, where competition for spots has kept players on their toes. Despite this, the Blues’ backline has struggled with consistency during the opening stages of the season. In their first seven Premier League games, they’ve conceded eight goals, highlighting that the defense is still a work in progress. Although Chelsea has solid options in defense, the search for a more stable and consistent defensive performance remains a priority for the club.
Interestingly, reports from GiveMeSport suggest that Chelsea is still on the lookout for reinforcements in the defensive department. They are reportedly interested in signing a player who can operate as both a center-back and a right-back, further emphasizing their focus on bolstering defensive versatility. This move could provide the extra stability that Chelsea needs if they hope to challenge for a top-four finish or even compete for the title this season. Improving defensively will be crucial, especially with how competitive the Premier League has become.
For King, however, one defender already making waves at Stamford Bridge is Levi Colwill. The former Tottenham and England international has kept a close eye on the young Chelsea center-back and has been impressed by his development. In fact, King sees Colwill as a future regular for the England national team, believing the 21-year-old has all the tools to succeed at the highest level. Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast, King shared his thoughts, stating, “I’m a fan of Colwill. I saw him a few years ago playing for the Under-21s and thought he was going to be the next big player for England. Plus, he’s left-footed.”
Colwill’s potential seems limitless, and his rapid rise through the ranks is further evidence of his burgeoning talent. At just 21 years old, Colwill has already secured a crucial role in Chelsea’s starting XI this season. After spending time last year filling in at left-back as part of his development, Colwill has now solidified his place in the center of Chelsea’s defense, a position where he looks far more comfortable and assured.
His partnership with Wesley Fofana has been one of the more promising aspects of Chelsea’s defensive setup. The two young center-backs have begun to form a strong understanding, complementing each other’s strengths on the pitch. This budding relationship at the heart of the defense is something Chelsea fans will hope to see grow as the season progresses. In a recent interview on Chelsea’s YouTube channel, teammate Noni Madueke highlighted how well Fofana and Colwill play off one another, noting their chemistry and understanding in defense.
Colwill’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed on the international stage either. During the latest international break, Colwill was called up to represent England and featured in one of the team’s two matches—a 2-1 loss to Greece in the Nations League. Despite the defeat, Colwill was among the few England players who stood out with a solid performance, further showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion even when the team as a whole struggled. Earning £100,000 per week (according to Spotrac), Colwill is already proving his value not just for Chelsea but also for his national team.
The fact that Colwill is a product of Chelsea’s academy makes his emergence even more special for the club. There’s a certain pride in watching a homegrown talent rise to prominence, and Colwill’s journey from the academy to becoming a first-team regular is a story that inspires fans and aspiring players alike. His progress seems to be accelerating with each passing week, and at this rate, it won’t be long before Colwill is a key figure for both Chelsea and the England national team for years to come.