Rio Ferdinand gives Todd Boehly heads up about next Chelsea star as 'huge opportunity' arises

Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Levi Colwill ahead of Chelsea's clash with Burnley on Saturday afternoon. The 20-year-old defender played a crucial role for Mauricio Pochettino's side in the Blues' 2-0 win over Fulham on Monday night.

Colwill, who was heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge in the summer following a meteoric rise while on loan at Brighton, provided the assist which saw Mykhailo Mudryk put Chelsea ahead. He found the Ukraine international with a brilliant cross into the box, further evidencing his excellent range of passing for a centre-half.

Speaking to Rising Ballers, Ferdinand insisted that Colwill has a 'huge opportunity' to become a key fixture in the Three Lions' backline. The Cobham graduate, who led the England Under-21s to European Championship glory in the summer, has been called up to the senior squad on numerous occasions, but he's yet to be handed his debut.

«I see him as the England centre-half in waiting because I think he’s got everything,» said the former Manchester United defender. «I seen him at Brighton, composure, asked to play a different way, adapted straight away. As long as he stays on it, his mindset stays strong, works at his game still, I think he’s got a huge opportunity.»

At the start of August this year, Colwill signed a new deal with the west Londoners, keeping him at his boyhood club until at least 2029. football.london understands that the youngster had been subject to several bids from Brighton, who looked to bring him back to the Amex Stadium on a permanent basis after impressing last season on loan.

During talks which were initially scheduled for Moises Caicedo, the Seagulls tried to include him in a potential swap deal. It's believed that Liverpool also