Ben Chillwell - How far will he go?

[teblin]

The guy is 21, defenders usually get better at defending as they get older.

 

Many of the comments in this thread were said of Ashley Cole when he was young.

 

He will be an established premier league player over the next 2 or 3 years.

[Callabinho]

Not very far if he keeps turning round every five yards.

[reynard]

He's young in more than one sense of the word really. Not just his actual age but he's had what fewer than 50 performances and probably a good number of those in cup competitions so in the Premier League probably around 1 season of matches. Puel clearly believes he has something as he keeps playing him.

 

Personally i think he might become a good player but what is his future postition?  The defensive side of the game need a lot of work. Going forwards he does some great stuff but his final ball is usually poor. These are things that he can work on and undoubtedly has some natural ability whether he can harness that into an all round good player remains to be seen. The next 12 months will be key to his progress. I certainly wouldn't write him off yet though.

[Guest Col city fan]

I saw the OP and worried that this thread might be a little too personal....

If you catch my drift...

Past first base?

 

[STEVIE B]

15 hours ago, Stevosevic said:

Looked a player against Atletico in a wing back role.

 

Wouldn't right him off but his LB performsnces are usually poor.

Spot on. Good going forward, switches off defending. 

[The whole world smiles]

Makes me laugh when I see people comparing him to Schlupp like it's some kind of massive insult. Schlupp came through our academy broke into the side, won the championship, won the premier leauge, played in the champions league then was sold for 17 million to another prem side where he plays week in week out (before his injury). He is also a international footballer with 15 caps for a half decent footballing nation.

 

I think 95% of young players would kill to achieve what Schlupp has by the time they are 25.

Edited 17 February 2018 by The whole world smiles

[StriderHiryu]

I thought he had a strong game. He moved play forwards and indirectly created chances as a result. Far better than Simpson in this regard. 

 

Criticism of his defensive work is justified as it’s by far his biggest weakness. Those who say his future may be as a winger instead of a defender have a point. 

 

Personally he’s what I’d expect of a 21 year old having a breakthrough season - wildly inconsistent. He’s cost us quite a few points this season but I suppose that if he can push on another gear it will be worth it. Surely with the outrageous prices in football these days we should give young players more of a chance? As the song goes, Ben Chilwell is one of our own. 

 

Of our youthful contingent I think he’s been more consistent than Gray and Nacho but not shown as much promise as Diabate. And of course Ndidi has been the standout - possibly the best DM in the league despite being only 21. Players like that are very hard to find!

 

I think at the end of next season will be the time to more accurately judge both Gray and Chilwell.