Ben Chilwell: Pushing Forward At Leicester City

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LEICESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Jonjoe Kenny of Everton is challenged by Ben Chilwell of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Chilwell Against Everton

Claude Puel had new ideas for this energetic defender with attacking prowess. The new Leicester City manager’s first match in charge was against Everton at home. Ben Chilwell started in a 4-2-3-1 system, playing on the left side in a supporting role for Jamie Vardy. The 20-year old was direct from the beginning, being actively involved in what was a frantic start.

Whilst previously as a defender, he occasionally didn’t show as much awareness as he does in an advanced position. For example, throughout his display against Everton, Chilwell was reading others’ headers or flick-ons well, and sprinting ahead for space instantly.

Another example of why it was thought Ben Chilwell could do better as a forward as opposed to a defensive player is one particular performance against Atletico Madrid.

He attacked successfully as a substitute wing-back against Atletico in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final last March. Supplying Vardy with an assist against a club of that standing was a definitely a hint of what’s to come.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid attempts to get past Ben Chilwell of Leicester City during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final second leg match between Leicester City and Club Atletico de Madrid at The King Power Stadium on April 18, 2017 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

As we cast our minds back to analyse the performance from Ben Chilwell in his new position, the use of him in set pieces is interesting too. In regard to the young man’s height and shot accuracy, when there’s a corner or attacking free kick, Chilwell is lurking within range – a clever tactic.

His shot is decent from around the edge of the box; we saw that with his goal against Tottenham Hotspur last season, as he calmly slotted in from 16 yards.