Despite Chelsea’s inconsistent form, Enzo Maresca retains the full support of the club’s owners, who are eager for managerial stability beyond a single season.

Among the players Maresca has shown strong faith in is Levi Colwill, whom he views as a future leader at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to The Evening Standard, Maresca praised Colwill’s development and leadership qualities within Chelsea’s youthful squad.

“I can see the leader day by day, since we started in pre-season, something that he can improve in terms of leadership. He is improving a lot.”

The Chelsea boss went even further, suggesting that Colwill is already considered one of the team’s key figures, despite not wearing the armband.

“Levi, even if he is not wearing the armband, he is one of the captains, and in the future, he could be a captain of this club. Since we started, he is improving a lot.”

Maresca’s preferred defensive partnership appears to be Colwill and Wesley Fofana, and it may not be long before the two are reunited at the heart of Chelsea’s backline in West London.