Cahill hails Chelsea 20-year-old defender

Former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has applauded the club’s 20-year-old star Levi Colwill.

Cahill in a statement admitted that he’s a big fan of Colwill, who was close to leaving Chelsea this summer.

The youngster recently confirmed his stay at Stamford Bridge after he signed a new six-year contract with the Blues this week.

Colwill will now have to fight for a regular game time the Blues first team led by Mauricio Pochettino.

“You look at attributes you want in a centre-back and ask: Is he tall and good in the air? Does he have good presence? Is he quick? Does he take up good positions to receive the ball? Is he composed on the ball? Levi Colwill has those attributes – now he must keep learning and progressing,” Cahill said, as quoted by the club’s official website.

“The manager will help him with that for sure. So will playing alongside Thiago [Silva], who has achieved so much in the game. He can soak up things from him, carry on learning and learning.

“It will be a big season for him. From the training I’ve watched, from what I’ve seen from him in games, it’s clear he’s got massive potential and is a very good player.”