What Chelsea defender Levi Colwill said during pre-season conversation with Enzo Maresca

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Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has shown early faith in several players at the start of his reign, including Levi Colwill.

Levi Colwill, 21, has been one of the biggest winners so far since the arrival of Enzo Maresca in the summer.

The England international has been an ever-present so far for the Blues in the Premier League, showing his quality as a ball-playing defender.

Interestingly, speaking via Chelsea’s YouTube channel last month, Maresca suggested he sees Colwill as a leader moving forward. We’d love to see him follow in the footsteps of club legend John Terry, who went from the academy system to club captain.

• READ MORE: Levi Colwill explains major difference between working under Enzo Maresca and Mauricio Pochettino

Levi Colwill conversation with Enzo Maresca

According to The Athletic, Colwill had a ‘good-natured conversation’ with Chelsea head coach Maresca during pre-season about his position.

The Blues academy graduate played a lot of last season covering at left-back under Mauricio Pochettino’s management, but he’s certainly a centre-half by trade.

The Athletic’s report explains that Colwill did admit to Maresca that his desire is to play as a left-sided centre-back, although he’s prepared to play anywhere he’s asked.

In fairness, Colwill’s played every minute of Chelsea’s opening four league games this season. He’s been a central defender alongside partner Wesley Fofana, too.

First name in Chelsea’s defence

Based on what we’ve seen so far this season, Chelsea star Colwill may have already cemented his role as the first name in the backline.

There’s a nice combination of controlled aggression and composure in Colwill’s defending, something which becomes a lot easier for him when he’s in the heart of defence compared to full-back.

Journalist Simon Phillips recently explained via Substack that Colwill used to have some concerns about how much Chelsea valued him. It seems pretty clear to use from the outside that the young talent is now recognised as a key player of the squad.