Chelsea and defender Ben Chilwell fear that his hamstring injury could keep him out for months. (Getty Images)
Speaking to the club’s official site, Ben Chilwell has revealed how his trail for Leicester City against Chelsea paved the way for him to become a competent left-back.
The 24-year-old enjoyed playing multiple sports and believes as a youth, he excelled more at cricket than football. However, he enjoyed football more and has since gone on to make a name for himself in the game.
Chilwell spent a couple of years at Rushden & Diamonds. He initially played as a striker and then transcended into the midfield.
He went on trial to Leicester City as a midfielder and was set to take on Chelsea at Cobham in his first match. As fate would have it, the Foxes left-back for the day was injured and as the only left-footed player in the mix, Chilwell was asked to step in. He spent the remainder of his trial spell in the position.
“As the only left-footed player in the team, I got moved to play back there and for the rest of my six-week trial I just stayed there.”
It is fair to say Chilwell was initially less than happy about playing at full-back. The youngster enjoyed playing as a midfielder and would often petition his coaches to deploy him there.
“Once I got my scholarship I really started to enjoy playing at left-back and found that position as my own.”
Over time, however, he not only began to enjoy his new role but also excel in it.
Chilwell reveals it was his attacking instinct that made him initially unhappy about playing full-back. Fortunately, in the modern game, the role of a full-back is more glamourous than it has ever been.
“I realised that being a full-back in the modern game is a lot about attacking as well and that’s when I really started to enjoy it.”
The 24-year-old realized at a young age itself that irrespective of one’s talent, hard work makes the difference. This is a mantra he has stood true to and continues to hold close to his heart.
“Get your head down, work hard and crack on.”
It is interesting to know that the origins of Chilwell as a left-back occurred at our Cobham training ground. While Leicester were the ones to discover his potential in the role, Chelsea are the ones reaping it’s benefit today.
It is fair to say that it has worked out well for all parties involved.
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