No fewer than six players made their Chelsea debut during Sunday’s draw with Liverpool, and for one in particular it was an extra special afternoon having come through the ranks at his boyhood club.
Levi Colwill is a Cobham graduate who first trained with us aged just eight. After two years gaining senior football experience on loan, with Huddersfield and then Brighton, the defender was handed a start by Mauricio Pochettino for our showcase opening Premier League fixture of 2023/24.
‘This is everything I’ve worked for my whole life, my whole career,’ Colwill said in the wake of his debut.
‘From being a little boy watching the games, it has been amazing. It is a blessing to be able to come here, especially to play against such a good team like Liverpool.
‘When you hear all the fans going crazy it is the best feeling ever. From being a little kid and being part of the fans and shouting and then being on the pitch and listening to it, it felt amazing.’
Colwill’s performance was indicative of the collective effort: stronger and stronger as the game went on. He believes our promising performance is a sign of what we can expect from Chelsea this season.
‘What can’t we do? It is as simple as that. Everyone needs to believe in that. We all need confidence to go into every game thinking we can win, and we will see at the end of the season what happens.
‘We’ve got young, hungry players. Everyone has a point to prove. With all the players we’ve got who can make a difference, who can score, and players who do well at the other end of the pitch, I think it will be a good mix and an exciting season.’
Colwill also reserved plenty of words of gratitude for the man who gave him his chance on Sunday, Pochettino.
Rewind a decade and the Argentinean was in charge of Southampton, the city in which Colwill grew up. He has long been aware of our head coach’s talents and now he is grateful to be able to experience them first hand.
‘When I was younger, they were playing great football that Southampton team. You’ve got to give it to them, and I’m not a big fan of Southampton, even though I’m from there. I’ve had a conversation with him about it and it was a good conversation.
‘He is a world-class manager. I don’t think I could ask for anyone better. He is such a good man manager, having normal conversations with me and making me feel like a person, not just a player. He’s been amazing and such a good guy and that means the most.’