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      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s Levi Colwill has starred at Huddersfield, is rated as ‘next Rio’, but could be set for Stamford Bridge exit

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      CHELSEA may not get to see the best of Levi Colwill.The talented youngster, 19, has been a revelation on-loan at Huddersfield Town, as The Terriers push for promotion from the Championship.
      Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill has become a key player at HuddersfieldCredit: Getty
      His form, and current situation with the Blues, has alerted Premier League clubs that he could be available in the summer.
      Everton, Leicester City, and Southampton are all keeping tabs on the centre-half, dubbed the ‘next Rio Ferdinand’.
      And it could be that Colwill leaves Stamford Bridge and establishes himself as an England international, just like his pal Marc Guehi has done some eight miles away at Crystal Palace.
      First team opportunity
      Southampton-born, Colwill joined the Blues as an U9 and thrived through Chelsea’s youth set-up.
      He turned heads in the U18s, as well the U23s before the club decided that they needed to keep hold of their prized asset.
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      In 2021, he signed a four-year deal and was promised a loan deal to get some valuable first team experience with senior pros, who he’d only come up against playing in the EFL Trophy.
      Huddersfield gave him that opportunity, installing the 6ft2in defender into their backline.
      It’s fair to say, he hasn’t looked back – appearing 27 times and helping the club cement their place in the playoff positions.
      Unlike Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori, Colwill will be hopeful of getting his club promoted to the Premier League at the end of the campaign.
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      Just like Rio
      His presence from a defensive point of view has stood out, and he’s efficient in the tackle and comfortable in the air.
      But where Colwill really stands out is on the deck.
      He reads the game beautifully, and like central defenders of the modern era he’s comfortable bringing the ball out.
      His performances have led to comparisons to Rio Ferdinand, by none other than Rio’s brother, Anton.
      “When I’ve looked at him and watched him, the first thing I saw was his presence, his stature, his build,” he said.
      “For someone so young, 19 years old, to have the stature he’s got. He looks like he plays with an older head, which is also a good thing as a centre-back.
      “Blessed to be left-footed, there’s not many left-footed centre-backs about.
      “The ball at his feet is a major, major asset to his armoury.
      “He’s very good on the ball, he’s calm and collected, he’s assertive with his passing, he’s someone that can start attacks.
      Bringing the ball out of defence is one of Colwill’s many attributesCredit: PA
      Colwill in action for England’s U21 side last monthCredit: Rex
      “When you look at a modern day centre-back he’s got everything to go to the very top.
      “The word Rolls-Royce was associated with Rio, and he’s got similar attributes to Rio.”
      What’s next?
      Colwill’s future is currently in the balance.
      Chelsea are reportedly braced for a number of approaches for their wonderkid.
      So, it’s a question of how they can fit him in.
      Already a crowded position in the squad, some space will be filled up when Andreas Christensen leaves in the summer.
      The ageless Thiago Silva doesn’t appear to be slowing down, while Trevoh Chalobah has impressed at times.
      While Antonio Rudiger’s contract talks are still up in the air, following a breakdown in discussions.
      Chelsea however may be tempted to cash in now.
      Whatever he decides, there are plenty of suitors.
      His performances at Huddersfield Town have earned Colwill comparisons with Man Utd legend Rio FerdinandCredit: Getty
      With his future up in the air, Chelsea would loathe to lose ColwillCredit: Getty
      Aware of his ability in Chelsea’s youth teams, Frank Lampard is believed to be interested in bringing him to Goodison Park.
      Southampton want to add him to their collection ex-Chelsea youths, having already seen success with Tino Livramento.
      If he does decide to leave, Chelsea’s loss will certainly be their gain. More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Chelsea kid Tudor Mendel-Idowu, 17, who attends Eton College, was on Child Genius TV show and is studying Latin

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      MEET Tudor Mendel-Idowu, who surely must be the UK’s brightest footballer.The Chelsea academy prospect, 17, is blossoming in the U18s this season – with five goals and three assists in nine games.
      Tudor Mendel-Idowu is a rising star with Chelsea’s U18 sideCredit: Getty
      Mendel-Idowu is also a student at prestigious Eton CollegeCredit: Linkedin
      However, if he doesn’t make the grade as a player – he can count on his education.
      Mendel-Idowu is a star pupil at the prestigious Eton College, where Prince William and Harry attended.
      Better still, he’s a King’s Scholar – meaning he’s one of the most academically gifted boys in the country.
      Early bloomer
      As early as aged eight, Mendel-Idowu was juggling academia with playing football.
      He took part in the Child Genius of the Year in 2014, alongside his 11-year-old sister Hazelle, that featured on Channel 4.
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      The competition was overseen by Mensa, and featured 20 highly-gifted youngsters between the ages of seven to 12, who face two gruelling rounds: Logic and Reasoning and Memory Recall – where they have just one hour to commit 104 randomly shuffled playing cards to memory.
      While his sister was eliminated in the second round, brainy Tudor finished second overall.
      At the same time, he discovered a flair for the beautiful game as various clubs declared their interest.
      “Like every kid, I played football from a very young age,” he told Chelsea’s website.
      “It would have been around the age of seven or eight that I realised I had a special talent. About the same time, I saw my academic gift coming to fruition as well.
      “There were different top academies across the UK that approached me. Chelsea were the ones who showed the most interest and essentially being the top academy, they really wanted to get me, and did in the end.”
      At age eight Mendel-Idowu appear on Channel 4’s Child Genius of the YearCredit: Channel 4
      Mendel-Idowu finished runner-up in the competition overseen by MensaCredit: Channel 4
      Runs in the family
      Intelligence and being a brilliant footballer (he’s been capped by England at U15 and U17 level) is in Mendel-Idowu’s blood.
      His grandfather on his mother’s side played internationally for his country, Nigeria.
      While on his father’s side, his other grandad Dr Fola Kayode Mendel-Idowu was a gifted academic who specialised in bio-aeronautics.
      He would make history as Africa’s first flying doctor.
      “My parents have always said I am a sort of fusion of these two extraordinary individuals,” he recently told FIFA.com.
      This campaign Mendel-Idowu has scored five times for Chelsea’s U18s in nine gamesCredit: Getty
      Talented midfielder Mendel-Idowu has been capped by England U17sCredit: Instagram
      Astonishingly, Tudor is a King’s Scholar at Eton.
      “King’s Scholars are the top fourteen brightest students in the UK, if not the world, admitted once per year at the age of 13,” he explained.
      “It’s decided after a rigorous examination process over two weeks, covering papers in a variety of subjects: Maths, Latin and Divinity to name a few.”
      Currently, he’s studying Latin, Greek and Modern History for his A-levels.
      He said: “Students who study these subjects have a wide range of options. I’m looking at Classics courses which opens other pathways like Philosophy, Law, Literature and Archaeology.
      “Foreign policy and international relations have always interested me too. I can really go in any of these directions.”
      Mendel-Idowu is juggling a football career with academiaCredit: Instagram
      Bright Mendel-Idowu has big ambitions to be a first class playerCredit: Getty
      But he won’t neglect his football, which he still holds a massive ambition in.
      “I want to be competing at the highest level. I have the same expectations for myself in football as I have as an academic,” Tudor revealed.
      “I want to be at the top. Playing in, and winning Champions Leagues. Playing at a World Cup. Maybe even a World Player of the Year Award – we’ll see!” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s Anthony Elanga scored against Atletico Madrid in Champions League, idolises Thierry Henry and signed big deal

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      BRILLIANT Anthony Elanga is well on his way to becoming Manchester United’s next youth success story.The Swedish winger, 19, saved the Red Devils with late equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
      Anthony Elanga, 19, scored his first senior Man Utd goal against WolvesCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
      Elanga celebrates his late equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      He was tipped to leave the club for a loan move in the Championship in the January transfer window, however boss Ralf Rangnick wanted him to stay.
      That faith has been justified following his goals at Leeds and Atletico in the past week.
      United fans already knew about his prowess from last season.
      The flying youngster scored his first senior goal for the Red Devils with a bullet header against Wolves on the final day of the campaign.
      Football is something that is very much in his blood.
      His dad Joseph Elanga was a professional footballer, who earned 17 caps for Cameroon and was called up to the 1998 World Cup squad.
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      Elanga made his senior debut against LeicesterCredit: AP
      Elanga has four goals in eight games for the Under-23s this seasonCredit: Getty
      Anthony was previously handed the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, which has been won by first-teamers Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood in the past.
      While back in March, Elanga was rewarded for his rapid progress with a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.
      KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
      Anthony’s father Joseph could say he taught him everything he knew.
      But the elder Elanga, now 42, wasn’t a forward like his son. He was a defender, who made a career for himself in Europe – in countries including Greece, Sweden and Denmark, before retiring in 2012.
      Anthony Elanga is the latest promising talent coming through the Man Utd ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      19-year-old forward and Swedish youth star Elanga won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year awardCredit: Sportsfile
      His best years were with Malmo from 2000-2005, who he won the Swedish championship with in 2004. He would join the club for one season again in 2010 and win a second league title.
      Joseph was a member of the Cameroon 1998 World Cup squad, but didn’t play a game.
      During his career, however, he did manage to gain 17 caps for his country.
      Joseph Elanga played in Europe for clubs including Malmo and Brondby (pictured here)Credit: Getty
      Elanga Sr played 17 times for Cameroon and was picked for their 1998 World Cup squadCredit: Alamy
      A THREAT UPFRONT
      United’s youth sides are blessed with promising forwards, with the likes of Shola Shoretire, Charlie McNeill and Dillon Hoogewerf all showing they have a bright future in the game.
      Like them, Elanga has the ability to play out wide or though the middle as a No9.
      Predominantly right-footed, he uses his pace and skill to beat his man, often cutting in before unleashing a shot on goal.
      His solo runs are reminiscent of a young Ryan Giggs, who could take three or four players out of a game in one swashbuckling gallop.

      Elanga has been with the Red Devils since the U12s, joining the academy from Sunday League side Hattersley FC.
      In 2019-20, after a prolific season with the U18 side with who he scored seven times in nine games, he was the recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award
      In March Elanga signed a long-term deal with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      Elanga has an eye for goal and was previously named Utd academy player of the yearCredit: Getty
      Predominantly right-footed, Elanga likes to drift to the left and cut in towards goalCredit: Getty
      HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE
      Elanga – who scored two goals in five matches for Sweden’s U17s – had excited Solskjaer in training before his first-team debut.
      “He’s got an X factor, some attributes, it’s not like a gift, but he’s got the acceleration, pace, speed, that’s a given for wingers and he’s got qualities I like,” the Norwegian explained.
      “He’s a goalscoring winger, he’s confident, he likes to beat men, right foot, left foot, he’s got a great attitude.”

      Humble Elanga understands he has to work hard to achieve regular first team footballCredit: Instagram anthonyelanga
      Elanga can see a pathway to the United first team after seeing the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood flourishCredit: Getty
      Elanga is equally as positive for his future, and knows what he has to do to impress his boss.
      Back in November he told PA, “You look at the likes of Mason and Rashy, there is a pathway there.
      “It just shows you that if you’re willing to put the work into it and continue to work hard day in, day out in training there’s a pathway for you there.”
      HEROES IN THE GAME
      In an interview with The Athletic last year, Elanga revealed who he models his game on.
      “Thierry Henry was my idol and I tried to match my game with his,” he said.
      “He was quick. He could play anywhere across the front three – striker, left wing, right wing – and that’s how I want to replicate my game.”
      Solskjaer said Elanga has an X-Factor about him and a promising futureCredit: Getty
      Elanga idolises Thierry Henry and tries to copy his hero’s gameCredit: Getty
      Manchester United legend Gary Neville caught a glimpse of Elanga in full flight, when he co-commentated on United Under-21s 6-0 win over Salford City in the EFL Trophy last year.
      He said the youngster was a “nightmare to play against” and called his goal “Thierry Henry-esque.”
      If he’s half the player Henry was, United have got themselves a real talent.
      Solskjaer says Man Utd striker Marcus Rashford in doubt for Granada match More

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      Chelsea fought off competition from Brentford for Charlton talent Mason Burstow, who has been likened to Jermain Defoe

      by

      ON transfer deadline day, Chelsea managed to squeeze in a deal for EFL’s hottest talent, Mason Burstow.The Charlton rookie, 18, has had a meteoric rise after coming through the youth ranks at non-league Welling United and Maidstone United.
      Wonderkid Mason Burstow is one of the EFL’s hottest talentsCredit: Rex
      Burstow signed for Chelsea on transfer deadline day
      He joined the Addicks in 2000, and sensationally introduced himself by scoring for the club with his FIRST TOUCH in professional football in a Papa Johns Trophy clash against Crawley.
      Since then, he has continued to provide a threat in attack – finding the net six times in his first 16 games for the South London side.
      It’s that kind of form that encouraged Chelsea to pounce on the youngster – paying around £2million to secure his services, beating Premier League rivals Brentford to the punch, before loaning him back to the League One team.
      They’ve had their eye on him
      Burstow was spotted early doors by Chelsea’s scouts when he played for Maidstone at 16.
      After starring in a game, ironically against Charlton, he was invited to Cobham to train.
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      Although they passed on the opportunity to sign him, Burstow stayed on the club’s radar.
      In 2020, the Plumstead-born poacher joined local club Charlton on a two-year scholarship deal.
      He would soon get Charlton development lead coach Anthony Hayes purring about his ability.
      Ambitious and full of potential
      Back in December, Hayes spoke of Burstow’s ambition and his game.
      “He’s someone who we consider a high-potential player,” Hayes told the South London Press.
      “I wouldn’t want to put any pressure on him because I know he sets his own targets.
      “I know there is a lot of goal-setting in terms of creating and scoring goals, as well as making first-team appearances.
      “What I do think he is, is a centre-forward who can do everything. He can run away from the ball and he can drop in and link play.”
      While, News Shopper journalist Henry Tomlinson compared Burstow to ex-West Ham and Tottenham hotshot Jermain Defoe.
      “He’s got that rare talent of just wanting to prove himself, he doesn’t stop running, he doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder, he’s just wanting to do the best he can each time he goes out,” Tomlinson told the Chelsea Chronicle.
      Teenager Burstow flies through the air to head home against HartlepoolCredit: PA
      Burstow leaps for joy at The ValleyCredit: PA
      “I’ve seen him live a couple of times now and he sort of reminds me a little bit of a young Defoe.
      “His movement between the lines, he’s got a bit of that poacher finishing ability and he’s got a bit more height. His goal against Fleetwood was with his head.
      “So, maybe, he could have potential more skill set or be a bit more rounded than Defoe was, which would be a fantastic career if he was able to emulate Defoe because obviously, he’s one of the best Premier League goal scorers of all time.”
      Goals galore
      Like Defoe, Burstow has the same ruthlessness in front of goal which is translated well to the Charlton first team.
      Since ex-manager Nigel Adkins handed him his debut back in August – in the 6-1 demolition of Crawley – Mason is yet to look back.
      Back in November, he found the net in the FA Cup in a 4-0 win over Havant & Waterlooville.
      Last month, he scored a consolation in a 2-1 defeat to Crewe Alexandra in the league followed.
      Then he followed that up with a strike in a 2-0 win against Fleetwood.
      Burstow has been in and amongst the goals at CharltonCredit: Rex
      Chelsea is Burstow’s next stop in his quest for success
      Sensibly, Chelsea have decided to let Burstow play out the remainder of this season with the Addicks as he continues his development.
      Then comes the hard work where he will transition into Neil Bath’s Blues academy.
      You wouldn’t put it past Burstow, the eager overachiever, to flourish there too. More

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      Chelsea transfer signing Dylan Williams moves from Derby with blessing of boss Wayne Rooney who gave him debut aged 16

      by

      CHELSEA have completed the signing of Derby left-back Dylan Williams for an undisclosed fee.The Blues have added the 18-year-old wonderkid to a depleted squad, with the belief he can add cover in the wing-back spot for long-term absentee Ben Chilwell.
      Dylan Williams has completed his move to Chelsea from Derby CountyCredit: Instagram @dylanrwilliams_
      Exciting full-back Williams has a burst of pace and loves to get forwardCredit: Rex
      It is a move that completes a remarkable rise for the teenager, who only made his debut for the Rams in 2021 aged 16 in a FA Cup tie against Chorley.
      Since then, he has appeared in Wayne Rooney’s first team and earned rave reviews.
      It was with Rooney’s blessing that Williams signed a deal with the West London giants, who couldn’t stand in the way of the youngster’s Premier League dream.
      But his story didn’t begin Derby… it started initially in the Black Country.
      Youth career
      Explosive defender Williams was on the books at Wolves and developed at their academy, before moving to Derby in 2020.
      In his first year at Moor Farm the teenager turned heads for his pace and versatility.
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      He linked up with the U18 side, starring in wins over Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Blackburn.
      Within months, he was promoted to the U23’s where he continued to develop and became a regular.
      Williams particularly impressed in matches against Premier League 2 academy teams Leicester City and Manchester United, which made Rooney sit up and take note.
      A first team debut was imminent.
      Cup debut
      When Derby County’s squad was decimated by a coronavirus outbreak last season, fourteen players from the club’s academy were forced to make their debut against Chorley in the FA Cup third round.
      It was no surprise the game ended in a defeat for the inexperienced Championship side, losing 2-0 to the minnows.
      But, it did give Williams blooding into the first team.
      And he was one of the few that did impress, not giving up until the final whistle after being thrown in at the deep end.
      Aged just 16 Williams made his debut for the Rams against Chorley in the FA CupCredit: Rex
      Williams continued to impress in the first team and made nine appearancesCredit: Getty
      He made his second appearance in the Carabao Cup tie against Salford City that Derby won 5-3 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
      Fans were certainly impressed by his performance, commenting on social media how he had grown into the game and wasn’t scared of bombing forward.
      Williams went on to appear a further seven times in the first team.
      ‘My decision’
      At a press conference before the Rams faced off against Nottingham Forest, Derby boss Rooney addressed the speculation about the future of Williams.
      The England legend admitted the club were in talks with a Premier League giant who wanted to buy him.
      Rooney revealed he spoke with Williams and made the decision for the club to allow his talent to pursue a dream opportunity.
      “We have agreed a fee with a Premier League club, still getting finalised as we speak, for Dylan Williams,” Rooney said.
      “It is one where I felt I couldn’t deny him the opportunity, so that is my decision, not an administrator’s decision.
      “It was my decision after speaking to the player, I felt I couldn’t deny a young lad an opportunity of going to play in the Premier League.
      “I actually don’t know what the fee is, that has been agreed between the other club and the administrators.
      “I took control of it and said I wanted to speak to the player and see what his feelings are, and it is a massive opportunity for the player, which I understand.
      “Hence the fact I was happy for him to leave the club for a new venture somewhere else.”
      Williams is now expected to link up with Chelsea’s academy teams, where he will familiarise himself with the superb Cobham facilities.
      Wayne Rooney revealed he couldn’t deny Williams a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Williams is expected to be blooded into Chelsea’s academy teamsCredit: Instagram @dylanrwilliams_
      And he took to social media to document his next chapter.
      “Wow. I am absolutely delighted to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he wrote on Instagram.
      “Thank you so much for everything the staff and players have done at Derby County. I cannot wait to get started at Chelsea.” More