No one can deny, Enzo Maresca He has exceeded expectations since his appointment Chelsealeading the club to fifth place with more than half the season already played.
Undoubtedly, there is still a long way to go Premier LeagueBut the signs are all positive for his long-term future at the helm of the West London club, and he will likely end their wait to win the league.
However, injuries have played their part in recent weeks, with Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile spending long spells on the bench, contributing to their recent form which has seen just one win in six league games.
Such setbacks have seen several players missing at centre-back, with Josh Acheampong and Tosin just some of the players covering their absence.
The opening of the January transfer window could strengthen the hierarchy once again following their previous efforts in the market, with one player constantly touted for a return to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are looking to re-sign Marc Guehi this month
Rumors have persisted in recent weeks, linking several players from around the world to join the Blues, however One that simply won't go away In the form of Crystal Palace's centre-back Mark Guehi.
English international He joined the Eagles for just £18m In the summer of 2021, he will take his career to the next level as a result of a move across the capital – leading to success for club and country – captaining Palace and even going to Euro 2024 with his country.
These performance levels have seen Maresca's men It is being described as a January move for the 24-year-old Although Trevor Chalupa has been recalled from his loan spell alongside Oliver Glasner.
However, any deal could be too expensive for you Todd Buhlewhere previously existing employers were demanding fees In the region of 75 million pounds sterling To part ways with their club captain in the summer After interest from Eddie Howe, Newcastle United.
There's no denying that a player with his Premier League experience would boost their current top-four ambitions, but given Chalupa's return coupled with the increase in the price of another Blues star – they could walk away from a move for Guehi, and put faith in the current crop of players.
The player who is now worth more than Guehi
The above talents came through the Blues academy before moving on to professional football like a duck to water – showing how much Cobham's academy has impressed the club in recent years.
However, they are not the only defensive stars to emerge in recent years, with Reece James being just another player to make the leap into the first team, even becoming the team's captain since his debut.
He appeared next to him Levi Colwell In the last 18 months, he has helped the centre-back develop into one of England's leading defensive stars, even partnering Johi on the international stage.
After loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion, the 21-year-old joined… Since he participated in 56 matches For his boyhood club, he participated in all but one league match throughout the 2024/25 season.
the “World class“Colwell,” as talent scout Jacek Kulig called him, has produced some amazing figures in recent months, Complete 90% of passes He has tried to find a teammate on 1,369 occasions.
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Levi Colwell's statistics with Chelsea in the English Premier League (2024/25) |
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|---|---|
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statistics |
outcome |
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Games played |
20 |
|
Minutes played |
1799 |
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Passing accuracy |
90% |
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Passes completed |
1369 |
|
Antennas won |
58% |
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Won tackles |
68% |
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Objections were made |
24 |
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Statistics via Footmob |
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He has also won 68% of the tackles entered so far, as well as 58% of his air battles – Evolving into the ideal option within the Italian possession-based system that relies on defenders to be able to control and be comfortable with the ball at his feet.
As a result of its continuity, he saw its value rise as a result. He is now valued at £100 million By the club according to The Athletic, a fee that exceeds Guehi's, demonstrating his rapid development in recent years.
Given his talent and the other options available to Maresca, there is no real need to pursue a move for the Palace player, with such a deal likely to block the likes of Acheampong in the process.
The club must be wishing they had kept Guehi two years ago, but given Colwell's rapid progress, they clearly have more talent on their hands – allowing them to forget about the prospect of a reunion with the defender this month. .
