Xabi Alonso has said Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is ‘one of the best centre-backs in the world’.
Colwill has caught the eye of his new head coach during the pre-season campaign, after returning to full fitness. The defender has captained Chelsea in several summer fixtures, underlining his status in Alonso’s new-look squad.
It’s been a welcome return for Colwill after a tough period. The 23-year-old played only 255 minutes of Premier League football last season after his campaign was decimated by an ACL injury.
Chelsea begin their 2026/27 Premier League season at West London neighbours Fulham on Monday night, and Alonso is delighted to have Colwill available.
He believes the academy product has the potential to be one of the world’s top defenders if he can maintain his fitness this season.
“I would say that having a proper pre-season has helped him in taking the right steps in the right moment, not trying to rush it too quick because of what he had last year,” Alonso said.
“Even last year, he finished playing in a good way. And now, after pre-season, we are expecting that he feels well and that he’s confident and with the fitness to have him at the next level.
“If he’s feeling okay, he’s for me one of the best centre-backs in the world, because of his composure, because of his presence. He’s so complete, so dominant. Levi is going to be a key player for us.”
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