Ben Chilwell is a Player Primed For More

Three assists in a single game at international level really is an impressive feat for a forward or an attacking midfielder.

When its a left-back clocking up these kind of statistics, then you really must take them seriously.

Ben Chilwell’s man of the match performance against Montenegro was a further indication that this is a player well on his way to becoming one of the best English left-backs since Ashley Cole.

Maybe even better.

Certainly, the quality of the opposition as we know didn’t prove a test for Southgate’s men, but you have to beat what’s in front of you. England achieved all that with consummate ease and Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell was at the heart of it all.

With Euro 2020 fast approaching next summer, Southgate will be working to perfect his squad for the tournament. While the attack will almost certainly pick itself, its in defence where the problem lies. Who should be the permanent partner for Harry Maguire? Who are Gareth Southgate’s go to full-backs? Southgate has an array of quality full-backs to pick from. As well as the tried and trusted duo of Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier. There are also Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Reece James emerging behind the scenes. Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw are also capable options.

But, on the evidence of Thursday night, Southgate may not need the necessary headache. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Chilwell held their own. It will be interesting to see how they fare against better opposition, but both players looked right at home against Montenegro. Offering so much going forward, both in their deliveries, marauding runs and quality in possession.

Thursday’s game was only Chilwell and Arnold’s third start together, but going forward, they must be given the chance to bed in properly ahead of next summer. It’s vitally important Southgate instils some consistency in his back four which is why he must choose his starting back four sooner rather than later.

Southgate can do no wrong in opting for Ben Chilwell as his permanent left-back. It is no fluke that his current form has coincided with Leicester City’s resurgence under Brendan Rodgers at the King Power. The academy product has been a revelation since his introduction into the first team in 2016, making the position his own replacing the veteran Christian Fuchs. Chilwell has matured remarkably into the role.

It wasn’t the first time the player contributed three goals in a single game, he did so for Leicester City in their record breaking 9-0 victory over Southampton a few weeks ago. Scoring the first, and assisting another two.

It’s also worthy to note that Chilwell is currently part of the best defence in the Premier League, at this time of writing. Progressively becoming one of the most well-rounded full-backs in Europe.

He was the subject of much interest to Liverpool before they secured Andrew Robertson’s services from Hull City. During last summers window, he was mooted for a move to the Etihad but he opted to stay. With Guardiola unsure of his current options, a big money move for Chilwell will not come as a surprise.

City aren’t the only ones. Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on the player too and there is much talk of Stamford Bridge becoming his most likely destination joining Lampard’s impressive crop of young English players.

Like all great modern full-backs, Chilwell is heavily involved in much of England and Leicester City’s attacking play, providing a lot of width while the wingers in front of him more or less cut inside. Not only does Chilwell, see a lot of the ball, he’s also very accurate on it too. A manager’s dream. Brendan Rodgers and Gareth Southgate are currently living that fantasy.

While full-backs are expected to attempt aimless passes or crosses into the penalty area, Chilwell is more intentional and accurate with his own. His assist for Oxlade-Chamberlain against Montenegro is a perfect example. Rather than picking an area to whip the cross into, the Leicester City left-back had his target in sight and executed the cross perfectly for the Liverpool midfielder to score. He does the same thing for his club, regularly trying to pick out Vardy in behind a high defensive line. He’s pretty accurate with it too completing close to 80 percent of his passes for Leicester this term [WhoScored].

Though his heat map at times could paint the picture of an old-school winger, his positioning and marauding runs are pretty much calculated. Performing those movements when he needs to. It’s his understanding of when to stay in position or deviate from it that makes him such a well-rounded full-back. If needed, he also has a knack of contributing in central areas too, often pulling the strings alongside James Maddison and Youri Tielemans.

Against Montenegro, Ben Chilwell also showed he can make the telling passes when needed. It was his cutting edge through ball that split the defence open for Jadon Sancho to assist Tammy Abraham’s first England goal. It’s performances such as these that shows the kind of growth and maturity that is ever present in Chilwell’s game.

No wonder why is he is such highly coveted full-back. Not only is he dangerous in wide areas and dead ball situation but he also holds the added intelligence and awareness to contribute centrally too. For a player who is only 22 years of age, there is so much that Ben Chilwell can achieve. Does he choose a bigger club or stay at a progressive club like Leicester City? The decision is up to him. What is clear, however, is that Ben Chilwell is well on his way to reaching the pinnacle of his career.