In a surprising twist, former Chelsea star Glen Johnson has expressed his concerns regarding the positioning of Levi Colwill and has issued a warning to Mauricio Pochettino about the young defender. Johnson, who has a wealth of experience in the sport, believes that Colwill may struggle as a left-back and should be deployed in his preferred position as a center-back instead.
Colwill, a versatile player who can operate in both central defense and left-back roles, has been a regular feature in Pochettino’s lineup this season. The 20-year-old has made a seamless transition into Chelsea’s starting XI following an impressive loan spell at Brighton.
However, Johnson believes that using Colwill as a left-back could expose him to potential difficulties and isolation when facing tough opponents. In an interview with Compare Bet, Johnson expressed his reservations about Colwill’s suitability for the left-back position.
“If you asked Levi Colwill, he’d probably tell you he doesn’t want to be playing left-back,” Johnson stated. “He lacks the necessary speed that is typically required for a full-back role, and as a result, he appears to be playing out of position.”
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While acknowledging Pochettino’s trust in Colwill and his desire to give him valuable game time, Johnson emphasized that the young talent would be better utilized as a centre-back. Johnson praised Colwill’s technical abilities, highlighting his proficiency in passing and reading the game. However, he stressed the importance of having the right players around him to maximize his potential.
“He is technically good, adept at passing through the lines, and possesses excellent game reading skills,” Johnson explained. “But he just needs the right players around him. Playing him at left-back could potentially expose him and lead to isolation on the field.”
Johnson’s concerns come at a crucial time for Chelsea, who are aiming to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table. Pochettino will undoubtedly consider the experienced former player’s advice as he evaluates his defensive options going forward.
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The debate surrounding Levi Colwill’s positioning raises questions about the delicate balance between a player’s preferred position and the needs of the team. Pochettino must carefully assess the pros and cons of utilizing Colwill as a left-back, taking into account his strengths and weaknesses in comparison to other available options.
In conclusion, Glen Johnson’s warning to Mauricio Pochettino regarding Levi Colwill’s positioning has added an intriguing dimension to Chelsea’s defensive strategies. As the young defender continues to impress, Pochettino will need to carefully consider the best way to maximize Colwill’s potential while ensuring the team’s overall success. The upcoming matches will reveal whether Johnson’s concerns were valid and if Pochettino will make any adjustments to his defensive lineup.
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