Levi Colwill’s potential is such that, among Thomas Tuchel’s wealth of centre-back options, only Marc Guehi arguably rivals his ceiling — and his versatility even allows him to deputise at right-back, just as Ben White did on his return to the England fold after a four-year exile.
Colwill’s return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in pre-season training has been nothing short of a “seismic boost” for a Chelsea defence that interim manager Calum McFarlane has described as “suspect at best and appalling at worst” this season. The 21-year-old made his first appearance of the campaign as a half-time substitute against Nottingham Forest before earning his first start at Anfield against Liverpool, where his performance was labelled “exceptional”. McFarlane stated that Colwill is “definitely” in contention to start the FA Cup final. Colwill himself admitted the recovery process was “really tough” but said his teammates and staff were “amazing” and that he feels “stronger — mentally stronger”. In that Liverpool fixture, he was the most influential player on the pitch for Chelsea, making the most passes (73) of any Blues player, along with the most long balls, defensive contributions, interceptions, clearances, shots blocked and aerial duels won.
Colwill’s value lies in more than just his return to fitness. He is primarily a centre-back but is also adept at left-back and can even deputise in defensive midfield, shielding transitions — a flexibility that allows coaches to deploy him in multiple formations and systems. His playing style is defined by calmness and ball control under pressure, smart decision-making and the ability to dictate play from the backline with his left foot. He carries a distinctive “La Pausa” quality, pausing on the ball to draw opponents in before releasing a pass, a trait associated with Roberto De Zerbi’s systems. He possesses explosive recovery speed and reads danger well, making him effective in defensive transitions. His market value of €50m reflects Chelsea’s faith in his title-winning potential, and he already has a Premier League goal and a Club World Cup winner’s medal from 2025 to his name.
That versatility is perhaps what most directly invites comparison with Ben White. White, who joined Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion for a club-record fee of up to £50 million in 2021, is also capable of playing at centre-back on either side and at right-back, where he has been noted for surging forward runs. He made his return to the England squad in March’s friendlies after a four-year exile — his first call-up since his premature departure from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for “personal reasons”. Reports of a falling-out with former assistant manager Steve Holland were dismissed by former coach Gareth Southgate. White’s return was met with jeers from the crowd during the Uruguay match; he scored his first England goal but later conceded a stoppage-time penalty in a 1-1 draw. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called him “brave”, “really talented” and a “fighter”, while White himself has revealed he rarely watches football, saying, “I just loved the game, I was always playing it, never watching it.” However, an “ill-timed injury” suffered against West Ham on Sunday, May 11, 2026, may yet affect his availability.
Marc Guehi, the other high-ceiling defender referenced alongside Colwill, came through Chelsea’s academy, made his first-team debut in 2019, and left for Crystal Palace for £18 million in 2021 after loan spells at Swansea City. Guehi has said the move was “the right one for his career”. Now a key member of Crystal Palace and a regular captain, Guehi is considered one of the best young defenders in the country. His playing style has been influenced by Patrick Vieira, who helped develop his tactical understanding and decision-making. Guehi views the FA Cup as a “massive competition” for clubs like Palace, who have been runners-up twice, most recently in 2016, and said facing Chelsea in the semi-final did not provide extra motivation beyond the significance of the competition itself.
The broader context of Chelsea’s defensive rebuild is instructive. Tuchel historically favoured a back three, requiring centre-backs comfortable on the ball and quick on their feet. This season, Colwill’s presence helped “bring out the best” in Wesley Fofana, who had been out of form, and allowed Marc Cucurella to push forward into a more advanced wing-back role while Colwill anchored the build-up. Tosin Adarabioyo — described as “Uncle Tosin” by his younger teammates — provided aerial presence and experience in central defence against Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final. Yet Chelsea’s academy exodus has been painful: Fikayo Tomori and Guehi are among those who left to shine elsewhere, reinforcing the sense that the club must retain and play talents like Colwill.
Looking toward the FA Cup final, scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Wembley Stadium, Chelsea are set to face Manchester City. Interim manager McFarlane is hopeful that Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho will return from injury for the final; Neto has been particularly important in Chelsea’s FA Cup run with significant goal involvements. Cole Palmer, who returned as a substitute in the semi-final win against Leeds, has also been involved in England training. Noni Madueke was part of the initial England squad for March’s friendlies. With Colwill’s return — and his extraordinary statistical dominance against Liverpool — Chelsea’s defence looks more assured than it has been all season, even as Ben White nurses a fresh injury and Guehi continues to excel at Selhurst Park.
