Chilwell ‘worldie’ raises his price tag
BRENDAN RODGERS was asked about the likelihood of Ben Chilwell leaving for Chelsea or Manchester City ahead of this match during an online press conference.
At first, Rodgers offered a standard manager’s answer by saying, ‘All you can ever do is create an environment where players will feel they can develop and enjoy their football.’
Then he made it intriguing: ‘But I also recognise players may well look beyond Leicester City. But I’ve never felt that with Ben.’
So make of that what you will but after Chilwell’s strike against Watford the speculation will only intensify. The first touch was exemplary and the second was explosive. Chilwell had endured a difficult afternoon against Ismaila Sarr, then he let his frustration out in one whack. With a swing of his left foot he beat Ben Foster at his top corner.
But before that 90th-minute banger, Chilwell fell foul of the social media microscope. Users on Twitter were lambasting his performance, claiming he’s overrated and overpriced.
It’s true £80million is a lot of money and Watford winger Sarr did have his number much of the time. Sarr, in doing his homework, may have noticed those headlines and seemed determined to put that price tag to the test. With a drop of the shoulder and burst of speed, he was able to breeze beyond Chilwell at times. But then the 23-year-old made up for it. The modern full-back is expected to contribute to attack and Chilwell did that here. He’s capable of delivering a fine ball into the box and can unleash a lethal shot.
The England international is social-media savvy and the replies to his posts are flooded with fans saying everything from ‘welcome to Chelsea’ to ‘Frank Lampard wants you’.
Former Chelsea star Joe Cole is one who believes a move to Stamford Bridge would be an advancement. He said: ‘Ben’s got a lot of talent. In Brendan he’s got a great manager and a great team up at Leicester but Chelsea’s a step up. Having the opportunity to work with Frank and improve would be immense for him.’
Rodgers has said Leicester would deal with any transfer saga in the same way they dealt with interest in Harry Maguire, but not necessarily with the same outcome — Maguire joined Manchester United for £80m.