Rising Star Levi Colwill Shines for Brighton and England U21s: Unveiling the Extraordinary Talent

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is highly sought-after following his outstanding performances for Brighton and England U21s. The reasons behind numerous clubs' keen interest in securing his signature are intriguing. Colwill's remarkable summer continued as he played a pivotal role in England U21s' qualification for the European Championship final on Wednesday. In a commanding fashion, the Young Lions defeated Israel with a score of 3-0 in the semifinals, securing their spot for the eagerly awaited showdown on Saturday. Their opponent? An imposing Spanish side, winners of the tournament five times.

England have made it to the final in Georgia with an impeccable record of not conceding a single goal throughout the tournament, thanks in large part to Colwill's outstanding performances. He has been a key player, starting in four out of five games for his national team.

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Levi Colwill has started four of England's five games in Georgia with the Young Lions yet to concede a goal

At just 20 years old, Colwill has been highly successful at the international level, building on his impressive debut season in the Premier League while on loan at Brighton. Although he has now returned to Chelsea, the club is eager for him to extend his contract. However, his remarkable skills have not gone unnoticed by other major clubs, with Liverpool showing reported interest. What distinguishes him as a young center-back of great acclaim?

Strong in possession

Colwill possesses exceptional technical skills and exhibits utmost ease when controlling the ball. His calmness and ability to hold on to possession are among his greatest assets.

He consistently shows eagerness to receive passes and possesses the self-assurance to retain possession even when facing intense pressure. In terms of statistics, he ranks sixth in the Premier League for total passes completed per 90 minutes (75.02), and is leading in forward passes completed (35.41) - an indication of his preference to take risks rather than choosing the safer alternatives.

Colwill, being left-footed, is considered quite valuable in the world of football, especially among centre-backs. Consequently, he usually occupies the left position in central defence. The heat map displayed below showcases his remarkable command over the entire defensive half.

Progression and chance creation

Colwill fearlessly advances the ball from his own defensive third when presented with the chance. During the previous season, under the guidance of head coach Roberto De Zerbi, Colwill frequently propelled the ball forward by dribbling, effectively disrupting the opposition's defensive formation.

His bold approach inevitably attracts the attention of opposing players, thereby creating gaps in other areas of the field and offering his teammates greater opportunities to create havoc.

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Colwill is positioned at the ninth spot in the Premier League for carries per 90 minutes, with a remarkable average of 21.47. This places him ahead of renowned players like John Stones from Manchester City and just narrowly behind his Brighton teammate Lewis Dunk. Notably, an impressive seven players from Manchester City also make it into the top 10.

Defending with speed and power

In terms of versatility, Colwill's game is truly impressive. He not only has the technical ability to cover and interchange positions, but he also has the knack for combining with the attackers and creating chances in the final third when given the opportunity.

Defending with speed and power

When it comes to defending, Colwill's physique proves to be advantageous. Standing at an impressive height of 6ft 2in, he possesses the ideal stature for a centre-back and also exhibits exceptional power and speed.

His pace, agility and ability to read the game well mean he can often keep up with quick forwards, while his commanding frame rarely sees him outmuscled by opponents.

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Levi Colwill's speed and agility mean he is rarely outpaced by forwards

Colwill's defensive style often involves outmaneuvering attackers by stepping ahead of them to reach the ball. Despite his limited experience, his ability to make decisions quickly and his impeccable timing are already highly developed. While he may not always succeed in regaining possession, his determination to do so before transitioning into an offensive play is evident.

In defensive duels, whether on the ground or in the air, Colwill consistently performs above average by winning them and manages to do so without committing excessive fouls. Additionally, when it comes to clearances, particularly those in the air, he frequently aims to maintain possession by directing the ball towards his teammates.

What's next for Colwill?

Colwill seeks a conversation with Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino regarding his position at Stamford Bridge before engaging in negotiations for an updated contract. The club has emphasized that he will not be transferred during the summer, but Colwill desires clarity on his role in Pochettino's plans for the upcoming season prior to exploring new agreement terms.

Brighton had expressed their desire to secure Colwill's return to the south coast on a long-term basis this summer. However, their offer of £30m was turned down, and several other Premier League clubs are also vying for his signature.

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Levi Colwill starred on loan at Brighton last season as the Seagulls qualified for European football

Colwill's chances of securing a spot in England's Euro 2024 squad, which will travel to Germany next summer, hinge on his performance in the upcoming 2023/24 season. Having earned a promotion from the U21s to train with the senior team during the June internationals, it is evident that Gareth Southgate holds him in high regard, despite not seeing him in action.

If Colwill helps the Young Lions defeat Spain on Saturday and win the Euros for the first time since 1984, his popularity will soar even higher. With the world at his feet, this talented youngster from Southampton has a bright future ahead. Don't miss the live coverage of the European U21 Championship final between England and Spain on Saturday, available across We' digital platforms. The match kicks off at 5pm.

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