Ben Chilwell must improve final ball, decision-making: Leicester City opinion

Ben Chilwell is one of Leicester City’s finest assets, yet his decision-making in the final third needs enhancing to reach his potential and attain ruthless efficiency.

Ben Chilwell proved to anyone who doubted his competence by becoming an international and Leicester City regular. He did so through his own off-season efforts and determination – which absolutely enabled and accelerated the remarkable but predictable transformation.

There were once questions over the Milton Keynes born player’s combativeness – though he proved that he was tough enough to develop into the athlete he now is. Always keen to learn and at the elite end of his profession, he is a great role model.

Undoubtedly his extra, solo pre-season training sessions down the local park helped. Actually, aerially and in the tackle Chilwell is exceptional for his height. His awareness as well as positioning has also improved.

The last aspect of his game to master is his attacking potency: including decision-making, end product with final ball or shot. Not to mention general directness with plenty of ideas for ploys to execute in-game.

Leicester City No.3 advancing

Occasionally the left-back is seemingly nervous or unsure about making the wrong move in attack or simply devoid of ideas, unlikely as that is. Because forward-thinking full-backs are more predominant in the contemporary game, this is a minor issue for the flourishing and top-six-eyeing Foxes side.

Obviously Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is a master tactician, man manager and stratagem inventor with a ready solution and experience for any eventuality. Therefore expect a more confident and Gareth Bale like Chilwell in the near future – hopefully.

"“He is young and he is only going to get better.”– Brendan Rodgers on Ben ChilwellVia: Leicester Mercury"

Andy Robertson and others

Andy Robertson of Liverpool did himself no popularity favours in Leicestershire with his immature, over-exuberant celebrations and taunting of mild-mannered Leicester City forward Ayoze Perez at the weekend. Yet Robertson’s full-back game is almost without fault. In fact the Scotsman achieves goals and attains statistical prowess which Chilwell can emulate, as their skillsets and speed are similar.

There are other examples, again on Merseyside: Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has overtaken his elder competitor and national team-mate in Chilwell with acclaim and productivity. Though Alexander-Arnold’s method is different to his club colleague, Robertson: whereas the Scot is dynamic, breaking to the byline to assist simple tap-ins and cross from more advanced position’s – Trent is a deep crosser, set-piece taker and shooter.

Chilwell can apply both styles and ascend to the greatest level of all! Well, why not? His potential is there for future domination of the role without a doubt.

Statistical comparison with 2018/19

Key passes are vital to Chilwell in his important capacity for the Foxes XI, an area this season he’s struggled in comparably with last campaign. In 2019/20, according to WhoScored, the Englishman is recording less than one key pass a match in the Premier League. Although in 2018/19 he managed twice as many on average in the top-flight, as well as double the amount of successful dribbles.

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All that needs to be corrected is better, swifter mid-height crosses for striker and talisman Jamie Vardy to thrive on. Along with the necessity of Chilwell finding feet with directness and accuracy in and around the penalty area; when there is a subsequent pass for the assist the key is made – even if the shooter misses.

If these elements don’t get the necessary refinement, the King Power player may find his England place under threat after achieving first choice status. Manchester United’s Luke Shaw will return in due course. Evidently Gareth Southgate will play Danny Rose of Tottenham Hotspur for the Three Lions if he deems it correct. Though Liverpool and Manchester City are still supposedly interested in transfer to in the defender – whom Leicester must retain.