Chelsea's Chilwell opens up on lack of minutes this season in wake of Southampton performance

Chilwell opens up on Chelsea squad status

Chelsea‘s England international fullback Ben Chilwell has recently opened the lid on his current status in the Blues squad under boss Thomas Tuchel.

The defender has not found opportunities forthcoming this season. https://t.co/I2rur8q7j9

— Chelsea FC News (@Chelsea_FL) October 5, 2021

The former Leicester City standout made his first start in the Premier League this season at the weekend in Chelsea’s 3-1 win against Southampton at Stamford Bridge, scoring his sides third goal in the 89th minute.

It was just his second start in all competitions this season, with the other coming in the clubs’ 5-4 win on penalties against Aston Villa in the third round of the Carabao Cup two weeks ago.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Marcos Alonso of Chelsea celebrates scoring his side’s second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on February 22, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)

Chilwell has firmly been viewed as second-fiddle to Marcos Alonso at left-back, with the Spaniard being the preferred option in every single league and European outing of the campaign. Those included key domestic clashes against rivals Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester City.

When speaking with the clubs official website, Chilwell spoke honesty about his current situation;

“I wouldn’t say it’s been frustrating. It’s about being patient, training hard. Marcos [Alonso] has been playing well and I have had to respect that. I’ve been training hard to make sure when I get my chance, I’m ready.

I felt fine on Saturday fitness wise. I’ve been training hard and making sure my fitness is 100 per cent, so when I did have the opportunity to play I was fine to play 90, and make sure I could make the same runs in the 90th minute as I did in the first minute.” note: quotes via Football.London.

England status not in jeopardy despite lack of faith at club level

Ben Chilwell may have only featured once in the Premier League this season, but he does not have to convince England boss Gareth Southgate of his value to the national team set up.

https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1445126579051327496?s=20

The Chelsea fullback was included in the latest England squad as the Three Lions are set to long horns with Andorra & Hungary on the 9th and 12th of October.

Though he is not expected to feature ahead of Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, Chilwell can still be confident that there are many who still place value in his abilities on the pitch.