Xabi Alonso Names The Chelsea Star Who Is 'One Of The Best In The World' | OneFootball

Levi Colwill and Chelsea will be hoping for a successful 2026/27 campaign. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Xabi Alonso has revealed the Chelsea player who is one of the best in the world at their position.

Chelsea are preparing for the 2026/27 season, which begins with an away trip to local rivals Fulham for their opener on August 24.

Alonso, appointed as the club's new manager on a four-year deal over the summer, has had pre-season to familiarise himself with the playing squad and decide who he wants to take into the new season with him.

Fortunately for the Spaniard, Chelsea's team is stacked with quality, and despite several new signings this summer, including Maxence Lacroix and Morgan Rogers, the Blues have several players who will feel like new signings.

Both Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia missed most of 2025-26 due to injury, but the duo are available and ready for selection to face Fulham, a huge boost for Chelsea.

Colwill returned towards the end of last season and therefore missed out on England World Cup selection. But a summer's rest and a full pre-season have put the centre-back and Chelsea in a good position heading into the upcoming campaign.

The 23-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during pre-season training last summer, a huge blow after winning the Club World Cup with the Blues earlier.

Now he has fully returned for Chelsea and Alonso will be desperate to have him play a key role as they bid to return to the Champions League in 2027-28.

Chelsea know how good Colwill is and Alonso has explained why he believes he is 'one of the best centre-backs in the world'.

"Having a good pre-season has helped him take the right steps in the right moment, not trying to rush it too quick because what he had last year," Alonso told reporters as Chelsea prepared for their opener against Fulham.

"Now he feels well, with confidence and the fitness to have him in the best level.

"If he's feeling okay he's for me one of the best centre-backs in the world because of his composure, his presence, so complete, so dominant.

"Levi is going to be a key player for us."

A big statement from the Chelsea manager, and Colwill has shown exactly why he has the reputation he does.

Chelsea will be keen to improve on the defensive problems they experienced last year. They have shown that they acknowledge their weaknesses and are prepared to strengthen with the signings of Marco Palestra, Lacroix, Pep Chavarria, and set-piece coach Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa.

Colwill is among the defenders who will stay at Chelsea this summer. Lacroix, Wesley Fofana and Reece James remain at the club. Josh Acheampong and Aaron Anselmino are also still part of the squad.

Mamadou Sarr could leave on loan amid interest from abroad, while Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi are finalising loan moves. Trevoh Chalobah was also sold to Como earlier this month.