Rio Ferdinand's brother Anton has compared Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill to his sibling, who had a glittering career at Man United.
The current Huddersfield Town loanee has excelled under the guidance of Terriers head coach Carlos Corberan. The 19-year-old has so far made a total of 26 appearances in all competitions so far this term as he prepares for his next challenge this weekend for the Championship outfit against Luton Town.
Colwill has played in numerous positions this term, including at centre-half and left-back occasionally to fill in when needed. It's safe to say he's exceeded the expectations of everyone, including the NXGN. The latter had put him in the top 50 young players in Europe this season.
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His current ranking of 32 demonstrates his great development out on the efficient loan system that has produced the likes of Conor Gallagher and co, so it's unsurprising to see Coberan wax lyrical on the player held in high regard by the Yorkshire fanbase.
"I think he's going to be one of the most important centre-backs for this country in the future. I am seeing a player with a lot of potential and a lot of personality, Marcelo Bielsa's former number two said at the back end of 2021.
"The demands are always greater when you step up a level, but I am seeing him develop in a very good way. I saw some of the things from him before he started working with us. I am watching a player with a fast-growing development. Some players need more time for this process to make the transition from academy football to a high level of (senior) football."
In various different interviews throughout 2021/22, Huddersfield's current number 26 has stated the importance of making a move down to the Championship for his own personal development, but Anton Ferdinand has gone a step further in his praise by comparing him to his serial winning brother.
"When I looked at him and first watched him, what I noticed first was his presence, his stature and build," the former QPR defender said on the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand's Presents FIVE show. For someone so young to possess the stature he currently has, he also plays with an older head which is a big benefit as a centre-back. As a left-footed centre-back, there are not many around, and left-footed players look so much more cultured than the right-footed players, so that goes in his favour as well.
"There's being culture, but you also have to deliver, and the ball at his feet is a major asset. He's very good on the ball, very calm on the ball and collected. He's assertive with his passes and can start attacks, so when you look at a modern-day centre-back, he has everything to go back to the top. The word Rolls Royce was associated with Rio, and he has similar attributes to Rio."
Anton then went on to describe his defending more but then concluded: "Chelsea have some player on their hands." Rio himself seemed to be in favour of the comparison with his Tweet when the show aired: 'unreal show... Love the work, chaps!'
With Chelsea monitoring Colwill's progression throughout the season, with the mass exodus predicted with the potential departures of all of Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta, the England Under 21 international could be a cheap and efficient option like Trevoh Chalobah was to strengthen Tuchel's squad roster internally.
Less money spent during the first period of the new ownership on unnecessary signings would allow the Blues board to finally sign Jules Kounde, who the Telegraph have reported is still on the radar of the west Londoners despite the takeover uncertainty.
