Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has been full of praise for new teammate Benoit Badiashile.
He told The Athletic that he is looking forward to forming a friendship with the Frenchman despite hardly meeting him up to now.
Chelsea secured arguably their most important signing of the summer for the price of a new contract when they tied down Colwill to a new deal.
Brighton and Liverpool were both very keen on signing the player, although he committed his future to Stamford Bridge for the long-term.
It is highly expected that the Englishman will start for the Blues against the Reds on Sunday, although his place in the side will be under pressure when Badiashile returns from injury.
Colwill praises Badiashile
The £35m January signing has missed the entire pre-season campaign due to an injury suffered back last season.
Despite not yet playing alongside him or even training with him, Colwill has claimed that he is very impressed by the defender already.
He said: “I played against him and France at youth level. He’s a really good player. Whenever I’ve watched him he’s done really well. I remember playing a pass once and I saw him run across and I was like ‘Oh no’. I think he did well and won it. He’s a great player.
“I haven’t really met him yet because we were only at Cobham for a day before I flew (to the U.S.). But I’m excited to meet him and go from there. Hopefully we can build a friendship but we’re fighting for positions and I think that’s the best way.”
While the duo are likely to be competing for that spot on the left of the defensive partnership, Colwill has already stated that he believes he can play alongside him too.
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