Mauricio
Pochettino said Levi Colwill "can be one of the greatest centre-backs in
England" after the young defender impressed in Chelsea's 4-3 Premier League
Summer Series win over Brighton.
Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson
were on target in the encouraging win for Pochettino's side in Philadelphia.
Colwill was not used in Chelsea's previous game on their US tour, the 5-0
win over Wrexham, but took his opportunity against the club he spent last
season on loan with - despite giving away a late penalty for a foul on Joao
Pedro.
"We don't need to make a statement about nothing," said Pochettino sternly,
when asked whether picking the U21 Euros winner demonstrated to Brighton he
wouldn't be available on loan again this term.
"He's our player and he's going to continue with us.
"I am happy with him, his performance was good today, better than what I
expected because it's only the first game with us after the season in
Brighton.
"But I think he can be one of the greatest centre-backs in England."
Brighton took the lead in the game, with Danny Welbeck converting from close
range after Kaoru Mitoma met a corner and Kepa Arrizabalaga had to be sharp
to prevent the former England international adding another soon after.
Nkunku pulled Chelsea level when he pounced on a deflection from Ian
Maatsen's shot to grab his second goal of the tour but Kepa had more work to
do at the end of the half as Brighton responded with chances for Solly
March, Welbeck and Mitoma.
Despite the nature of the game, Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke was sent off
an hour in, picking up a second yellow card for a bad tackle on Cesare
Casadei. Chelsea capitalised, with Mudryk converting a slick move with
Nicolas Jackson before the new signing teed up Gallagher for Chelsea's
third.
Jackson then grabbed a goal of his own, making the most of Marc Cucurella's
blocked pass.
Brighton new boy Joao Pedro converted a late penalty after he was tumbled by
Colwill and Denis Undav set up a tense finale but Chelsea made it a winning
start to the Premier League Summer Series.
Premier League Summer Series fixtures
still to play
Sunday July 23
Fulham vs Brentford, kick-off 9pm BST (Lincoln Financial Field;
Philadelphia, PA)
Monday July 24
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa, kick-off 12am BST (Lincoln Financial Field;
Philadelphia, PA)
Wednesday July 26
Brentford vs Brighton, kick-off 10.30pm BST (Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Atlanta,
GA)
Thursday July 27
Fulham vs Aston Villa, kick-off 12am BST (Exploria Stadium; Orlando, FL)
Newcastle United vs Chelsea, kick-off 1.15am BST (Mercedes-Benz Stadium;
Atlanta, GA)
Saturday July 29
Brighton vs Newcastle United, kick-off 12.30am BST (Red Bull Arena;
Harrison, New Jersey)
Sunday July 30
Aston Villa vs Brentford, kick-off 5pm BST (FedExField; Landover, Maryland)
Chelsea vs Fulham, kick-off 7.45pm BST (FedExField; Landover, Maryland)
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