Shoulders

With the title race and relegation locations all sewn up, the ultimate day of the 2024/25 Premier League season was all in regards to the race for the Champions League.

And as such, our Participant of the Week is …

Levi Colwill (Chelsea)

📸 BEN STANSALL – AFP or licensors

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It was a reasonably merely equation as we headed into Sunday’s closing spherical of Premier League fixtures.

5 golf equipment wanted to suit into three spots with Manchester Metropolis, Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest all vying for a spot in subsequent season’s Champions League.

With a quirk of the fixture record nonetheless, one sport actually stood out as Chelsea travelled to Forest understanding {that a} win for both facet would probably put them into the highest 5 and amongst Europe’s elite.

It was a nervy affair on the banks of the Trent with few possibilities for both facet. However Levi Colwill proved to be the distinction as he netted a decisive close-range purpose to safe a 1–0 victory and guarantee Chelsea’s return to the Champions League after a two-year absence.

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After a difficult earlier marketing campaign, Colwill has emerged this time period as a linchpin in Enzo Maresca’s defence. His capacity to learn the sport coupled with composure underneath stress has been instrumental in Chelsea’s resurgence.

The victory over Forest wasn’t nearly securing three factors and a Champions League return, it was a testomony to Chelsea’s revival underneath Maresca. The Blues had confronted a tumultuous season with inconsistent performances post-Christmas threatening their European ambitions. Key victories within the closing few weeks nonetheless, together with a notable win in opposition to Liverpool, showcased their dedication to reclaim a spot on the prime desk.

And Colwill’s contributions prolonged past his defensive duties. His management qualities have shone via in 2024/25, particularly when he captained the facet for the primary time in December. Such moments have underscored his rising affect inside the squad and his potential as a everlasting future chief.

As Chelsea look forward to their Champions League marketing campaign, Colwill’s function shall be pivotal. His mix of youthful exuberance and tactical acumen means he will certainly be a cornerstone of this Blues undertaking for years to come back.

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In a weekend that noticed big errors from the likes of Emi Martinez, Matty Money and your entire Newcastle XI, Levi Colwill’s cool head rubber-stamped Chelsea’s Champions League end. His match-winning purpose and defensive masterclass not solely secured a prime 5 place but additionally solidified his standing as one of many Premier League’s brightest abilities.

📸 Shaun Botterill – 2025 Getty Photographs