After a failed season, there aren’t many players in Chelsea\u2019s squad who feel untouchable heading into next season.<\/p>\n
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A disappointing campaign, including an early exit from the Champions League and FA Cup final heartbreak, has seen the Blues fall well below expectations and come up short of silverware.<\/p>\n
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But it isn’t all bad news, though. <\/p>\n
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Xabi Alonso has been announced and captain Reece James, who signed a new long-term deal earlier this year, believes the new manager already has at least one hugely important player at his disposal.<\/p>\n
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Reece James speaks of Levi Colwill’s importance to Chelsea<\/h2>\n
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Following the team’s FA Cup final defeat against Manchester City last weekend, James, who spoke to Chelsea’s official media team, was full of praise for Colwill.<\/p>\n
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The defender is back in the first team picture after missing the majority of the season following an ACL injury during pre-season, and James thinks his teammate’s return is a massive boost for everyone involved.<\/p>\n
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\n“Levi is huge for the club and for the team. He\u2019s been a big loss this season, and we\u2019re delighted he\u2019s come back.<\/p>\nEver since he\u2019s been back, he\u2019s looking so strong, and he\u2019s helping us a lot.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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James is not the type of player who tends to throw around exaggerated praise publicly without meaning it, especially because of his own standing inside the dressing room as one of the squad\u2019s senior figures.<\/p>\n
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Yet despite that, there appears to be a very strong feeling internally that Chelsea are simply a better side when Colwill is fully fit and available.<\/p>\n
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Xabi Alonso may already be aware of Colwill’s influence<\/h2>\n
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One of the biggest tasks Alonso will face when he begins work at Chelsea is identifying which players should form the spine of the team, and Colwill looks certain to play a big part.<\/p>\n
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Not just because of his obvious technical quality, but because genuinely solid left-sided centre-backs remain one of the hardest profiles to find in modern football.<\/p>\n
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Chelsea have already seen flashes of what Colwill can become when fully fit. Although he’s taken a more disciplined and measured approach in recent weeks, when in possession, he has the ability to progress the play through the opposition\u2019s lines.<\/p>\n
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Clearly a fan of Colwill, James’ comments surely won’t go unnoticed with Alonso, who is expected to have an immediate impact, particularly on the defence, which will be one of the first areas the Spaniard will address.<\/p>\n
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