Chelsea defender Levi Colwill in awe of manager Enzo Maresca's football philosophy

Colwill, 22, has made 25 appearances for Chelsea this season under Maresca's leadership, as the club pushes for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Maresca, 45, previously served as Manchester City's assistant manager before guiding Leicester to Premier League promotion last season. In the summer, he made the switch from the King Power Stadium to Stamford Bridge.

"I think with Maresca, the way he thinks about football is light years ahead of everyone else," Colwill said. "I've been fortunate to work with many incredible managers, but he is pushing me to see the game in a completely different way. I'm very fortunate to be learning from him and soaking up as much as I can."

Colwill has played under a variety of managers, including Carlos Corberan, Graham Potter, Roberto de Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate, and Lee Carsley. He has been part of Chelsea since joining at the under-nine level.

"I came through with players like Jamal Musiala, Tina Livramento, Myles Peart-Lewis, and Lewis Bate. My age group at Chelsea was exceptional. The difference between Chelsea academy players and others is clear," Colwill noted. "The development and treatment you get at Chelsea is next level; they make you into real athletes."

Colwill also praised the current crop of young talents at Chelsea's academy, citing the development of players like Shim Mheuka, Tyrique George, and Josh Acheampong, who he believes has the potential to become one of the club's best defenders.

Reflecting on his goal in Chelsea's 4-0 victory over his hometown club, Southampton, Colwill shared the personal significance of the moment.

"As a kid, scoring against Southampton for Chelsea was all I ever dreamed about," he said. "Growing up, I wasn't the biggest fan of Southampton. All my friends supported them, and they'd tease me about it. Before joining Chelsea, I was part of Southampton's academy, and they pushed me in my development. The love and support Chelsea showed me when they came in for me was on another level."

Colwill's first taste of senior football came during a loan spell at Huddersfield Town in the 2021-2022 season. He contributed to the club's third-place finish in the Championship, although they lost 1-0 in the play-off final to Nottingham Forest, with Colwill scoring an own goal.

"They shaped me into the player I am today," he said. "I learned valuable life lessons from being in the changing room with experienced players. At just 18, I was in the first-team changing room, surrounded by incredible individuals. That experience, driving to training together, made me realize the importance of having a strong team dynamic."

The following season, Colwill spent time at Brighton, helping the club achieve their best-ever Premier League finish, coming sixth.

"Brighton was fantastic," he recalled. "When Roberto de Zerbi arrived, we didn't click at first, but now he's like a father figure to me. He really challenged me, breaking me down as a player before helping me grow into someone I never imagined I could be."

Colwill has represented England at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2023, earning four caps so far.

"Being part of the England squad is a dream come true, and I hope I'll be selected again," he said. "Each time I pull on the England shirt, it gives me a feeling I can't put into words. Every match makes me want to play even more."

Colwill was part of the England team that triumphed in the Under-21 European Championship in 2023. He hopes the experience will fuel future success for both Chelsea and England.

"A lot of the boys I played with in the under-21s are now in the senior squad, and we know what it takes to win trophies. We hope to continue that success and eventually win a major trophy with England."

In addition to his football career, Colwill is also an associate director at Sholing FC, a seventh-tier club based in Southampton. He has a deep connection to the club, having been a mascot during their 2014 FA Vase final win at Wembley, where they defeated West Auckland Town. Three of his uncles have played for Sholing, and his brother JJ currently plays for them.

"This is an opportunity for young players who may have been released from academies to find a new lease on life in football," said Colwill about his involvement with Sholing. "I believe this could be a fantastic opportunity for them to break into the first team and showcase their talents. There are so many amazing players out there who just need the right opportunity."

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