Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi praised Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill for his Premier League debut
As quoted by the club website, De Zerbi commended the teenager’s highly respectable display against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Colwill finally received his first top flight start on the weekend, having only previously played 12 minutes as a substitute.
He has been forced to wait patiently to break his duct in football’s golden arena, having missed out on promotion with Huddersfield Town last season.
Graham Potter was the manager who awarded the 19-year-old his dozen moments in the big leagues this term.
Potter out, De Zerbi in
Potter’s departure to Stamford Bridge appeared to shut the door on Colwill making any further Premier League appearances.
After 12-games since coming off the bench against Leeds United in August, the defender was recalled by the current Brighton coach De Zerbi.
Although the Seagulls lost to Unai Emery’s Villa, their young centre-back clearly made a good impression on his first division debut.
“Colwill played a fantastic game and I’m happy for Levi. He was ready to play and showed his qualities and his level,” said De Zerbi.
Colwill classy on Premier League debut
According WhoScored.com, Colwill did his upmost to demonstrate his abilities at the elite level.
The centre-back won six aerial duels, more than anyone achieved at the AMEX.
He managed 82 touches, the fourth highest of the afternoon.
Colwill also completed three interceptions, ranking first amongst his Brighton co-workers.
It was a performance that many in Chelsea colours could only dream of putting on right now.
Potter’s men were miserable again in the league, losing 1-0 to Newcastle United on the road on Saturday.
Their defensive was deconstructed by the Magpies, owed in part to the significant absentees of Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Wesley Fofana.
Perhaps the Blues boss will encourage a reunion with Colwill in the summer to ensure he has the cover in such an important area of the field.