Ben Chilwell has responded to his Chelsea transfer with major excitement and is looking forward to working with a young group under manager Frank Lampard.
The Blues confirmed Wednesday evening on their official website that they have signed the defender from Premier League rivals Leicester City, with him penning a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Chilwell has become a top performer in the Premier League in recent seasons at the King Power Stadium with Leicester and is already the first-choice left-back on the international stage with England too at a young age.
The 23-year-old speed machine helped Leicester finish fifth in the league last season, scoring three goals and supplying four assists in return.
He’s an attack-minded full-back that likes to fly forward, while his arrival increases competition for Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri as the left-sided defender.
Chilwell shared his delight to be joining Chelsea immediately after his completed transfer and believes it’s an exciting time for the club in general.
“I am delighted to be joining Chelsea at this very exciting time for the club,” he told the club’s website.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of this young, dynamic squad led by Frank Lampard as we challenge for honours next season. I can’t wait to get started and hopefully it won’t be long before we’re playing in front of the Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge.”
He further added that manager Lampard was key in his decision to join the club, after having a discussion with him.
“I obviously wanted to play for a massive club that’s what everyone wants for their whole carer. Talking to Frank before I came was one of the main reasons that I wanted to come. He installed a lot of confidence in me, told me how much the system suits the way I play.”
Chelsea have had several players try to follow in the footsteps of left-back great Ashley Cole, but it’s been a huge job to try do and it’s not quite worked out despite some strong efforts from some.
Chilwell is certainly an exciting young defender that joins a strong English core that already exits in the Chelsea squad and he’s going to provide real energy out wide, so it’s just the defensive side of his game that will need to be looked at.
Lampard’s side certainly struggled when it came to conceding goals last season and will hope a fresh face in the backline can help turn that around.
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