Why Ben Chilwell should remain at Leicester City despite apparent huge bid
Ben Chilwell’s meteoric yearlong rise has taken another step towards superstardom, with Leicester City receiving an alleged bid of £71m from Atletico Madrid for the left-back. But he should remain a Fox, for now.
Sorry to reiterate something most Leicester City supporters already know, but just in case – last season Ben Chilwell was good, though not great. This season he was superb; especially in comparison to his standing from 2017/18.
Why this occurred was because the now first choice left-back England undertook a fairly extreme summer training regime of his own volition. While vowing, respectfully, to attain Christian Fuchs’ starting fullback place for the Foxes.
The 22-year-old wouldn’t have expected to also take the Three Lions spot and make it his own as well. Albeit injuries to Manchester United’s Luke Shaw along with Tottenham Hotspur’s Danny Rose helping Chilwell’s cause.
Despite the fortunate circumstances, no one can deny the Leicester academy graduate’s progress and adroitness in the position. So much so that giants like Manchester City, Spurs and now significant Spanish clubs are plotting swoops. Deservedly so.
Chilwell to leave Leicester City?
Featured in BBC Sport‘s gossip column on Thursday was a short section about an apparent bid for Chilwell:
"Atletico Madrid have made an offer of £71m for Leicester City’s England defender Ben Chilwell, 22, but will face competition from Manchester City."
Chilwell could definitely make an outstanding impact on this team and league; yet Foxes of Leicester do not expect the deal to be completed. Whilst the Spaniards will be enjoying Champions League football again next campaign, the Fox seems more likely to remain in Great Britain, due to surely imminent domestic offers.
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In their err, unparalleled prolific style, The Sun broke the story:
"The Spanish side have reportedly bid a massive £71million for the player who has been impeccable for both club and country this season.The 22-year-old has five years left on his contract with Leicester City after signing a new deal last October.The star is linked with Atletico Madrid as they seek to replace players Lucas Hernandez and Felipe Luis, who are both leaving the club in the summer.The Spanish side will face off with Manchester City who are also interested in the England international because of the defender’s skills on the pitch this season, according to AS."
Now, if you’re a true Blue Army member, as this writer considers himself, and you also have the capacity to be neutral in discussion and evaluation – you’ll know that Chilwell wasn’t impeccable last term, athletes rarely achieve perfection.
The player himself would identify areas he could improve on – as an honest and diligent professional: marking and positioning in defence; end product and decision making in attack. Most noteworthy is his already world-class quality, of course, but there is room for improvement.
Leicester provides a perfect opportunity to accomplish these enhancements under a wonderfully optimistic and capable manager in Brendan Rodgers. No, there is not another European journey for Chilwell to undertake like he did in the Champions League a couple of years ago. However, a year from now those times will plausibly be realised once more – and this player should be along for the ride.
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In all honesty if the defender decides on Spain, he would probably hold out for Barcelona or Real Madrid. Yep he has the superiority to become that guy. Though hasn’t actually been quite consistent enough to start for an elite Champions League outfit, yet. Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, for example, is ahead. Remember, Leicester City are no longer a selling club, reinforced by King Power‘s bid success; unless astronomically ridiculous bids materialize. Ultimately, the Citizens have a role Chilwell is proficient enough to fill, with Benjamin Mendy’s ceaseless unreliability. We shall see.