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Gary Cahill says one Chelsea player is going to get ‘better and better’ under Xabi Alonso

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Chelsea legend Gary Cahill has dropped an exciting prediction for Levi Colwill ahead of new manager Xabi Alonso’s arrival.

Levi Colwill had a phenomenal 2024/2025 breakout campaign, striking a decisive final-day winner against Nottingham Forest to secure a crucial top-four finish. However, an ACL injury shortly after Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph completely derailed his season, sidelining him for the majority of the 2025/2026 term.

When the word consistency comes to mind, you automatically think of Gary Cahill. Arriving from Bolton in January 2012, Cahill evolved from a solid Premier League defender into a club icon across seven and a half years at Stamford Bridge.

Operating with grit alongside John Terry, Cahill won it all in West London, lifting two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two Europa Leagues, and the coveted 2012 Champions League.

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Gary Cahill tips Levi Colwill for success under Xabi Alonso

Levi Colwill is the one player that Gary Cahill picked out to be a success when Xabi Alonso takes charge at the start of July.

Talking on the London Is Blue podcast, here’s what he had to say.

“Levi, he had such a bad injury and the way that he’s come back.

“Honestly, he was one of the top players for Chelsea in that Cup final and he’d been missing for so long. And he’s still such, a young player still. So he’s only gonna get better and better.”

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Levi Colwill’s targets for next season at Chelsea

To establish himself under Xabi Alonso, Levi Colwill must first focus on regaining full match fitness. After missing most of last season with an ACL injury, a structured pre-season is necessary to rebuild his physical sharpness and minimise future injury risks.

Tactically, Colwill needs to adjust to Alonso’s defensive system, which often requires centre-backs to cover wide areas and manage quick transitions. Improving his positional discipline and 1v1 defensive awareness against quick attackers will be critical.

Additionally, while his ball-playing ability is a strength, his decision-making will be even more important in a system that constantly plays out from the back.