Chelsea’s Levi Colwill earned just his fourth senior cap for England in Thursday night’s match against Greece, and Blues fans couldn’t help compare him to Thiago Silva.
Levi Colwill, along with Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer, started in England’s surprise 2-1 defeat to Greece in the Nations League fixture at Wembley Stadium.
Lee Carsley’s Three Lions side were far from their best, but full credit must go to the impressive visitors. Vangelis Pavlidis put them in front early in the second half with a clever finish inside the box before Jude Bellingham’s 87th minute equaliser. However, Pavlidis netted his second in stoppage time to mark a famous night for Greek football.
Colwill, 21, partnered England captain John Stones at centre-back against Greece. He certainly impressed with his individual performance, too.
The Chelsea youngster was brilliant in possession with his forward passes. Also, he made a stunning goal-line clearance early in the first half after an error from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Based on tonight’s display, it’s easy to see why Colwill is in WhoScored’s Premier League U21 Team of the Season so far.
Chelsea fans praise Levi Colwill display
A selection of Chelsea supporters on social media couldn’t resist comparing Colwill to former Blues defender Thiago Silva after his England display.
Silva, who spent four brilliant years at Stamford Bridge, was an elite centre-back for the Blues. In particular, he was renowned for some phenomenal last-ditch defending, including a goal-line clearance against Juventus in the Champions League back in 2021.
Here are some Chelsea fans on X reacting to Colwill’s England performance versus Greece:
@janiqueisunique wrote: “Colwill continues to do an incredible Thiago Silva impression. Sky’s the limit for this guy!”
@David___Peters posted: “Levi Colwill’s save, Thiago Silva regen.”
@CFC_Adiii said: “That was Thiago Silva-esque from Colwill.”
@CFCJeffrey shared: “Phenomenal clearance from our boy Levi Colwill! Brought back memories of Thiago Silva and Ashley Cole. Outstanding stuff.”
@jon_enzo8 claimed: “Wow! Colwill that’s T. Silva level of awareness. What a goal-line clearance.”
Levi Colwill takes England chance
Colwill played last month for England as cover at left-back, but he got an opportunity at home to Greece in his preferred centre-back position. We think he did enough to suggest he’s a long-term option for the Three Lions at the back.
Fotmob has provided the individual statistics from Colwill’s England display against Greece:
- Match rating – 7.3
- Minutes played – 90
- Touches – 104
- Accurate passes – 81/91 (89%)
- Passes into final third – 9
- Accurate long balls – 7/9 (78%)
- Tackles won – 2/2 (100%)
- Clearances – 6
There’s no doubt England’s backline was too open at Wembley, so there’s question marks around tactics and several players. Colwill should be a rare man that can hold his head high after his contribution, though.
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