Chelsea defender Levi Colwill started in England’s UEFA Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
It was Lee Carsley’s first match in charge, and Levi Colwill helped the 50-year-old to get off to a winning start, playing his part in England’s 2-0 victory.
Colwill is a central defender and has been playing as one for Chelsea this season, but Carsley used him at left-back in Saturday’s triumph.
Wesley Fofana is enjoying being next to Colwill at the heart of Chelsea’s defence, with the two being Enzo Maresca‘s first-choice centre-half pairing.
English media react to Levi Colwill’s performance against Republic of Ireland
While Colwill is not a natural left-back, he did a job there for the Three Lions at the Aviva Stadium.
In fact, the 21-year-old actually impressed the English media with his performance against the Republic of Ireland.
The Guardian gave Colwill a 7/10 match rating and said in their match ratings piece: “Adapted well to his hybrid role as England switched to a back three in possession. Gave the defence a nice balance and looked assured on the ball.”
The Telegraph also handed Colwill a seven and said: “Given the role of makeshift full-back, the Chelsea central defender might just prove to be a solution to England’s left-sided problems with Luke Shaw injured and Ben Chilwell out of favour. Cool, calm and composed.”
The Evening Standard only gave him a six; however, they were still complimentary with their words, saying: “Has started the season superbly at centre-back for Chelsea and had no issues shuffling to left-back here. Booked.”
Chelsea are happy with how Colwill has started this season, and Carsley is also likely to be pleased with what he has got from the England international so far.
Levi Colwill set to continue playing at centre-back for Chelsea
While Colwill can play at left-back, it looks like Maresca will be using the Chelsea academy graduate as a centre-back this term.
It makes sense, with the Italian having Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga for the left-back position.
Cucurella is able to play as an inverted full-back. As long as the 26-year-old remains fit, you would expect him to be Maresca’s first-choice left-back, while Veiga acts as his deputy.
Veiga is ready to take Cucurella’s spot, though, so there is healthy competition in that area of Chelsea’s squad right now.
Ultimately, Maresca can probably be happy with his centre-back and left-back options, though the Blues need to defend better as a unit after the international break, having already conceded five goals in the Premier League this season.
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