Stats show why top rated Chelsea academy star has secured his place in the team for next year and beyond | OneFootball

It was hard to praise too many attacking players in Chelsea’s game against Nottingham Forest yesterday afternoon.

Both managers set up their teams to play a very cagey, defensive game, and the first half in particular was dire.

It was vital that Chelsea didn’t lose the game, and at the heart of their defensive efforts was Levi Colwill. He’s had a mixed season, but it’s one that’s trended in the right direction, and he finished with some really strong showings.

There’s no way we’d be celebrating Champions League qualification right now had it not been for Colwill’s superb efforts at the back in the run of wins to end the season.

Colwill’s stats back up another good showing for the Blues

Levi Colwill celebrates a massive goal for Chelsea. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The stats were very in his favour too. WhoScored have him down as an 8.0/10 rating, by far the highest on the pitch.

He made a tackle, an interception and 6 clearances as the Blues held firm in defence late on. He completed 56 passes with a success rate of 89.3%.

He also scored the winning goal for the Blues as he chased down Pedro Neto’s cross and turned it into the empty net – perhaps the most important goal he’ll ever score for the club.

Colwill set for important Chelsea role next season and beyond

There will be a lot of changes this summer, including what sounds like the guaranteed addition of a top centre back. But one thing we know will be carried forward to next season is Colwill as a key part of this side.

Signing an elite central defender to play alongside him and an elite goalkeeper to play behind him will make a huge difference and only help to improve him as a player.

Over to you, sporting directors…