06 September 2023 , 05:00
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Levi Colwill has revealed how a word from an unlikely mentor helped persuade him to commit his future to Chelsea.
Adam Lallana became an influential figure in Colwill’s development when the young defender was on loan at Brighton last season.
And having played under Mauricio Pochettino at Southampton, Lallana was quick to give the new Chelsea manager a glowing testimony when asked about him by Colwill.
“I have had conversations with Adam,” said Colwill. “And he told me about how much of a good guy he (Pochettino) was and he thinks he is a really good manager and I took that on board when I was making my decision.
“When I finally met him (Pochettino), I realised everything Adam said was true.”
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That is why he was happy to put pen to paper on a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge and even though Pochettino has not got off to the best of starts, Colwill is convinced Chelsea have got the right man.
He said: “He is a great manager, really makes me feel comfortable and allows me to play my best game. I think with him at the club, it has changed so much and now we want to kick on.
“I think the big thing for me is, on the first day I came in, putting an arm around me and showing me that he respects me as a person and also as a player. That allows me to work my hardest and makes me want to play my best for him.
Levi Colwill has started Chelsea's four Premier League matches this season (Getty Images)“That’s a big difference, him showing that there are two sides whereas the majority of managers may just look at you like a footballer, which he doesn’t. That helps me play my best football. I know I’m going to improve. I can guarantee that. He’s such a good manager and he will push me, he won’t let me have any off-days, that’s what I need.
“Someone like me, if someone lets me go to sleep, I might just have a good day or a bad day. I need someone there to give me that kick up bum and say ‘keep going’. That’s what he does.”
Colwill’s form has earned him a first senior call-up to the England squad and the versatile 20-year-old was keen to acknowledge Lallana’s help while the pair played together at Brighton.
Levi Colwill has earned his first England senior call-up (Getty Images)He explained: “I am someone who is a chilled person and sometimes I need someone to give me a bit of a push.
“And at first I did not really understand why he (Adam) was always on me.
“But then once it clicked in my head, I realised that he was only trying to help me. I was happy and lucky to play alongside him and he definitely helped me.”
Colwill was part of the England under-21 squad that won the Euros in the summer and he is following a familiar path through the age groups at St George’s Park.
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But - ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine in Poland and the friendly against Scotland in Glasgow - Colwill is still pinching himself at getting the nod from Southgate
He said: “Getting formally called up is amazing. Dream come true. It has been an amazing year.”