Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell wins over more fans, gaining critical acclaim

It’s been more of a whirlwind than a breakout season for Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell, in 2018/19. Now an England regular, the Foxes defender is winning plaudits everywhere.

Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell has now made five senior appearances for England. Those matches saw him help secure Three wins – including versus exceptional sides, Spain and Croatia –  and kept three clean sheets. In addition, he assisted Harry Kane for the winner on Sunday.

To be completely honest, the left-back’s initial involvement could not have gone much better at international level. Gaining the Leicester City starlet many fresh supporters and followers. They include former elite professionals, pundits, fans, broadcasters, journalists and experts.

Leicester City aficionados, Leicester Mercury, collected the snippets from Chilwell’s remarkable nation media appraisals, following defeat of the Croats:

"“The Times: Remarkably assured given his inexperience, coming close to scoring before creating Kane’s winner. 8/10BBC Sport: Another fine performance and made the winner. Undisputed first choice at left-back now. 7/10Sky Sports: Continued his seamless adaptation to international football at left-back. Was rarely exposed and set up Kane for the winner. 7/10The Sun: Outstanding free-kick which led to the winning goal – pure class. Generally accomplished performance at left-back and forced a decent save from Kalinic. 7/10Mirror: Has made the left-back slot firmly his own. Strong both in defence and attack. 7/10Martin Keown for the Mail: Kept hitting the first man at set-pieces but I knew he had one killer ball in him — and his free-kick set up Kane. I believe he is the answer at left back. 7/10Guardian: Exposed when Croatia scored. Disappointing set-pieces until his free-kick led to Harry Kane’s winner. 6/10Express: Warmed Lovre Kalinic’s hands with a powerful volley, but was also guilty of wasting good situations with a poor final delivery on occasions.Let off the hook when he lost Ivan Perisic at the back post just before half-time, and his positioning was exposed multiple times.However, all that will be forgotten after his free-kick caused chaos in the box which Kane took advantage of. 5/10”"

Seemingly, the Express is slightly harsh in rating and scathing in description; although Chilwell can, and will, undoubtedly improve. Giving the 21-year-old ample opportunity to be one of the most imposing left-sided players globally.

Claude Puel deserves credit for establishing Chilwell as Leicester City’s official No.3, starting him constantly in defence. Particularly because Christian Fuchs was a popular alternative in August, with some Blue Army members.

It is the understanding now, that ‘Chilly’ is England’s first choice Left-back. Even when Tottenham Hotspurs’ Danny Rose returns. Not to mention the Fox being favourable to Manchester United‘s rejuvenated Luke Shaw.

Statistically against the Croatians, the former Huddersfield Town loanee impressed, hence the above journalistic assessments. These stats include: an 86.4 per cent pass success rate from 44 passes. Defensively: two tackles, one aerial duel won and one clearance made. Offensively: one shot, only one bad touch, fouled twice – an increasing, deadly element of Chilwell’s traits – and one goal supply for captain Kane.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is obviously already influenced by Chilwell’s prowess. Subsequently, he gave further explanation of his young player’s talents, post game. Saying, his defender made strides since the summer; ultimately consistent form at Leicester convinced Southgate to field the ex-Young Lion. While, he says he is confident Chilwell can handle the responsibility at age-21. Most noteworthy is the England gaffer praising his latest star’s quality on the ball.