🦁 Premier League Player of the Week: A cool head on young shoulders | OneFootball

With the title race and relegation places all sewn up, the final day of the 2024/25 Premier League season was all about the race for the Champions League.

And as such, our Player of the Week is ...

Levi Colwill (Chelsea)

📸 BEN STANSALL - AFP or licensors

It was a fairly simply equation as we headed into Sunday's final round of Premier League fixtures.

Five clubs needed to fit into three spots with Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest all vying for a place in next season's Champions League.

With a quirk of the fixture list however, one game really stood out as Chelsea travelled to Forest knowing that a win for either side would likely put them into the top five and amongst Europe's elite.

It was a nervy affair on the banks of the Trent with few chances for either side. But Levi Colwill proved to be the difference as he netted a decisive close-range goal to secure a 1–0 victory and ensure Chelsea's return to the Champions League after a two-year absence.

After a challenging previous campaign, Colwill has emerged this term as a linchpin in Enzo Maresca's defence. His ability to read the game coupled with composure under pressure has been instrumental in Chelsea's resurgence.

The victory over Forest wasn't just about securing three points and a Champions League return, it was a testament to Chelsea's revival under Maresca. The Blues had faced a tumultuous season with inconsistent performances post-Christmas threatening their European ambitions. Key victories in the final few weeks however, including a notable win against Liverpool, showcased their determination to reclaim a place at the top table.

And Colwill's contributions extended beyond his defensive duties. His leadership qualities have shone through in 2024/25, especially when he captained the side for the first time in December. Such moments have underscored his growing influence within the squad and his potential as a permanent future leader.

As Chelsea look ahead to their Champions League campaign, Colwill's role will be pivotal. His blend of youthful exuberance and tactical acumen means he will surely be a cornerstone of this Blues project for years to come.

In a weekend that saw huge errors from the likes of Emi Martinez, Matty Cash and the entire Newcastle XI, Levi Colwill's cool head rubber-stamped Chelsea's Champions League finish. His match-winning goal and defensive masterclass not only secured a top five place but also solidified his status as one of the Premier League's brightest talents.

📸 Shaun Botterill - 2025 Getty Images