Although only a third of the way through, Ben Chilwell is Leicester City’s most outstanding player this campaign. Seemingly, he is also becoming Gareth Southgate’s first choice left-back for England.
There was no real rest for the committed Ben Chilwell over the summer break – insert Netflix and not chilling-well pun – as Daily Mail reported on his ‘summer of sacrifice’ a few months ago, the Leicester City player was determined to use his time wisely.
A local Milton Keynes park is where the now England fullback put in work in June and July. Doing spirits and heavy cardiovascular training. He also returned to the King Power Stadium with a renewed vigor and apparent strength. This new edition Chilwell looked the part and certainly meant business.
Firstly, the 21-year-old must replace Leicester City’s senior left-back, former Austria captain and Premier League champion, Christian Fuchs. Not an easy start to becoming a household name in the footballing world. However, Chilwell proceeded to prove himself a worthy successor.
Subsequently, his international debut came for the Three Lions, symbolically at the King Power. He impressed off the bench and has started two games since: a Spain and a United States of America conquest. The Leicester City starlet never looked backwards – only envisioning forward progression.
Mental toughness is definitely an aspect of the defender’s attributes or personality traits. For a young player to dedicate himself to persevere for improvement in his vacation time is admirable. It got him to the elite level be arrives at now; in addition to being a superb example and role model to aspiring footballers.
Player of the year so far
It must be said, Fuchs was an absolute gentleman following his understudy becoming the favoured option in the position for Leicester City. Always believed to be ready with veteran support and never complaining – despite being completely, fairly ousted. Once in the starting XI consistently, Chilwell held his new place: playing the full 90 minutes of all 12 Premier League games for the Foxes.
During this third of a season, the former Huddersfield Town loanee imposed himself on the league in a true breakout campaign. Right-backs struggling to keep Chilwell under control as he drives forward up the left flank, is a constant sight. In fact, when the ex-Young Lion isn’t being double marked in attack, he is regularly regulating right-wing players – blocking shots, crosses and tackling.
Although, the expert challenge is a department of expertise for Chilwell, a minor criticism is us Blue Army faithful want to see it more! Yet, he is not impetuous, a good sign for longevity. Naturally, he is not quite the finished article, there are other areas to better too, for example: end product, as well as decision-making.
There are times the Leicester starlet has been on a mazy run past multiple opposition players, at the time to play the one-two pass, through ball, cross or shoot, he seems unsure. Occasionally, doing none of the above, consequently running thoughtlessly into trouble. Though, this is not a criticism, just an insight that the necessary upgrades will come; after all, he is not even age-22 for another month.
According to WhoScored, this season the Fox has the fourth highest rating for a Leicester City team member, with 7.07. That places him in front of Ricardo Pereira and Demarai Gray, respectively. Whereas, placing behind James Maddison, Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Maguire – the English World Cup cult hero is leading the way for the East Midlanders in WhoScored’s system.
In the Premier League this term, Leicester’s No.3 has some impressive stats: only 2.2 unsuccessful touches a match. Including an increasing 1.3 key passes; as well as averaging 3 clearances. And a low foul count – some would argue he needs to up his intensity a little. Although he is an intelligent footballer who rarely jumps into a challenge.
Defensively, his stats do need work: only making 0.2 blocks per game, 0.9 interceptions and 1.3 tackles a match on average in the top-flight. A little to learn but much progress achieved in 2018/19.
International performances
One month ago – after catching the worldwide eye of football fans – following England’s triumph over Spain in the Nations League, Foxes of Leicester wrote this of Leicester City’s defender:
"“Ben Chilwell Natural progression calls upon journalists of the footballing world to talk about England senior International Chilwell amongst the creme of European, or global, left-backs.” Via Foxes of Leicester article: ‘Three positions in which Leicester City are superior to Arsenal’"
A concise explanation of Chilwell’s international displays would be: suitably composed and acclimatizing well. This is a big leap for him. Playing, and winning, against sides as talented as the Spanish firmly establishes him as a quality, world-renowned professional.
In his two competitive outings for the Three Lions, the man from ‘MK’ made a firm, positive imprint on proceedings, completing 180 minutes. Gareth Southgate is obviously influenced with the adept performances – giving Chilwell a great opportunity to transition into the English manager’s go to guy at left-back. Only two English pros have completed more dribbles domestically – including forwards, wow – giving the gaffer a headache for choices.
Therefore, ‘Chilly’ appears to be ahead of the injury prone Danny Rose of Tottenham Hotspur. Not to mention Luke Shaw of Manchester United, who is also sidelined more often than others. Keeping fit may give the Fox the upper hand, if it hasn’t already.
Statistically, Leicester City’s man is solid: roughly a 75 per cent pass success rate. A low figure is often misleading, as a forward will often score higher, yet may not float as many hopeful balls long or put in crosses – in contrast to the diminishing defender’s total for seeking innovative deliveries.
In other areas, defence as a whole for example, Chilwell’s national output is almost identical to his club production. Offensively for his country, form dips a little. Actually, a better description is that nerves creep in somewhat. There are 0.5 dribbles a match and the same amount of key passes.
Attacking is the real element that sets apart this contemporary player, into, possibly, a world-class wingback/left-midfielder in the future. However, the final ball or shot must increase and improve. Assists are a factor which will take him to the highest echelon.
Like the prowess of namesake Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City, it is imperative that Chilwell makes the byline and cuts back easy chances with pinpoint accuracy. Just as he did for Demarai Gray’s desperately important and partial closure providing goal versus Cardiff City, in the wake of tragedy for Leicester City and Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and family.
We shall leave you with a fitting and wonderful quote from Chilwell:
"“I know I’m good enough against the best in the world” – Ben Chilwell after defeating Spain with England (Via: Daily Mail)"
Leicester City play Brighton at the Falmer Stadium on November 24, in the Premier League. There is no top division football this weekend as an international interval is underway.