Amidst a market characterized by ever-inflating prices, Chelsea is discovering the truth behind the saying that the best things in life are free. This revelation comes in the form of an academy graduate who has emerged as a shining star amidst the club’s complex dynamics.
Chelsea’s club identity is like a metaphorical Versace coat, exuding opulence and extravagance. But hidden beneath this lavish exterior lies a humble blank T-shirt, symbolizing the club’s commitment to self-sufficiency and nurturing homegrown talent.
At Football FanCast, we remain undeterred by this paradox. With each brilliant Chelsea academy graduate, who often goes unnoticed amidst the backdrop of immense wealth, we uncover another captivating story for our “Market Mover” or “Where Are They Now?” series.
Today, we shift our focus to a subject who defies the norm. Unlike others, this individual’s progress has been allowed to flourish, given the necessary space and time to develop, instead of being suffocated by excessive spending. Levi Colwill represents a breath of fresh air for a club that desperately needs to shake off the early-season cobwebs.
In summary, Levi Colwill’s emergence symbolizes the value of nurturing talent within an era dominated by exorbitant transfers, making him a refreshing presence at Chelsea Football Club.
How much was Levi Colwill worth at the start of his career?
Levi Colwill, a talented 20-year-old hailing from Southampton, has been a part of Chelsea Football Club since the tender age of 9. His football journey began with the Sunday league side City Central, where he intriguingly shared the field with Jamal Musiala, a testament to the quality he possessed even at a young age.
Colwill’s early years showcased not only his composed playing style but also his steady physical development, which added to his presence on the pitch. Standing at 6 foot 2, Chelsea recognized his potential but also understood the importance of exposing him to men’s football, which would contribute to his growth both in stature and skill.
After making three senior appearances in the Papa John’s Trophy, Colwill joined Huddersfield Town on loan in 2021. This formative season proved to be a turning point for him as he caught the attention of fans and pundits alike while playing for the impressive Carlos Corberán-led Terriers side, which narrowly missed out on promotion.
Despite an unfortunate own goal in the playoff final against Nottingham Forest, Colwill’s performances had already left a lasting impression. His expected transfer value (xTV), as reported by Football Transfers, surged from around £3.5 million (€4.1 million) in July 2021 to £6.3 million (€7.3 million) following the playoffs.
In summary, Levi Colwill’s journey from Chelsea’s academy to his loan spell at Huddersfield Town showcases his talent, potential, and remarkable progress. His performances have not only earned him recognition but also significantly increased his market value, highlighting his bright future in the world of football.
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What have people said about Levi Colwill?
Levi Colwill’s impressive adaptation to the Championship was only the beginning of his accolades, as he continued to gather praise during his subsequent loan spell at Brighton in the Premier League. Playing under the guidance of the young and captivating tactician Roberto De Zerbi, Colwill seamlessly integrated into an incredibly progressive and youthful side.
Despite making just 17 league appearances, Colwill made a significant contribution to Brighton’s remarkable sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season. The squad, with an average age of 23.64, showcased a level of skill beyond its years, and Colwill played his part in their collective efforts.
Throughout his half-season loan, Colwill displayed glimpses of the qualities that have now become synonymous with his name. In fact, his expected transfer value (xTV) experienced another surge, rising from £9.1 million (€10.6 million) in August 2022 to £10 million (€11.6 million) by June 2023.
Returning from the boardroom to the pitch, Colwill’s impressive performances extended beyond his loan spell. He contributed to England’s victory in the Under-21 European Championship and made an impact on a transitioning Chelsea team. These achievements have broadened his horizons even further.
In September, Mauricio Pochettino expressed his admiration for Colwill’s potential England call-up, highlighting his excellent performances in the previous season, the Under-21 Euros, and his strong start to the current season with Chelsea. Pochettino praised Colwill’s versatility, as he can excel in multiple positions such as center-back and full-back. He also commended his character and talent, expressing his hope for more players like Colwill to be involved in the national team during the next international break.
Gareth Southgate, too, joined the chorus of praise, acknowledging a wide range of attributes in Colwill’s game. He commended the young defender’s temperament, which he displayed during his time in the league and particularly during the Under-21 European Championship. Southgate also lauded Colwill’s composure on the ball, his physical prowess, speed, and ability to defend effectively in the box.
In summary, Levi Colwill’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, with his performances at Brighton and contributions to the England U21 team earning him accolades from esteemed figures such as Mauricio Pochettino and Gareth Southgate. His versatility, maturity, and standout qualities make him an exceptional talent with a bright future ahead.
Statistically, how good is Levi Colwill now?
When examining Levi Colwill’s performance from a statistical standpoint, it becomes evident that his numbers align with his rising value in the football world.
According to FBref, Colwill showcases excellence in both attacking and defensive aspects, despite occasional remarks about him being somewhat one-footed. In comparison to other center-backs, including notable names like Napoli’s Amir Rrahmani, Real Madrid’s David Alaba, and Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni, Colwill ranks in a high percentile for several statistics, highlighting his progressive mindset on the pitch.
In terms of shot-creating actions, Colwill finds himself in the top 3%, indicating his potential threat in creating scoring opportunities. Furthermore, he ranks in the top 2% for expected non-penalty goals and assists, further emphasizing his ability to contribute offensively.
Colwill’s prowess is not limited to attacking contributions alone. He excels in aerial duels, winning an average of 2.86 per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 15%. However, what truly stands out are his passing abilities, attempting an impressive 78.57 passes per 90 minutes, ranking in the top 5%. Additionally, he completes 1.23 progressive carries per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 11% for this category.
It is worth noting that there is room for improvement in certain core defensive aspects such as blocks and tackles. However, it is essential to consider that these deficiencies may be attributed more to the collective performance of the team rather than solely to Colwill’s individual capabilities. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that the current Premier League season, at the time of writing, is only seven games old, leaving ample opportunity for growth and development.
In summary, when evaluating Levi Colwill’s performance statistically, his numbers reflect his increasing value in the football market. He excels in attack and defense, ranking favorably among his peers in various categories. While there may be areas for improvement, his overall contributions and potential make him an exciting prospect for the future.
What’s Levi Colwill worth now?
Since his formative loan spell at Huddersfield, the likely soon-to-be England starter has become a real market mover – with an increased price of (value) for any potential suitors. In an era of extreme Boehly-bolstered spending not immediately reaping success,
Colwill’s ascent shows that once again – after examples of Reece James or the distant success of Declan Rice – the Blues should potentially put more onus on their homegrown talents.
The 6 foot 2 centre-back who has also been compared to club icon John Terry, has risen to an xTV of £15.2 m (€17.5m) with a transfer window peak of £18.2 million (€21.1m) in August ’23.
As of June ’23, the Daily Mail had reported that not even bids in excess of £40m would make Chelsea even consider selling Colwill. That was amid interest from Brighton with the Seagulls looking to bring him back to the Amex Stadium after a successful loan spell.
Furthermore, he recently put pen to paper on a six-year deal, that’s how important they see him for the future, as his financial worth and indeed personal worth to the club grows more and more at Stamford Bridge.