Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill has emerged as the cornerstone of Chelsea's defensive line heading into the 2025/26 season. The 22-year-old centre-back, a product of the Cobham academy, combines composure on the ball with genuine physical presence. His left-footed profile offers natural balance to the backline, allowing Chelsea to build play comfortably from the left side. Under Calum Macfarland's interim management, Colwill has taken on additional responsibility, often acting as the primary ball-playing defender when the team looks to break opposition presses.
Colwill's development has been steady rather than explosive. After loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in his career, he returned to Stamford Bridge and established himself as a regular starter. His reading of the game allows him to step into midfield when required, a tactical nuance that suits Chelsea's desire to control possession. While his aerial duels remain an area for refinement, his recovery pace and ability to play out from the back make him indispensable to the current setup.
Reece James
Reece James remains Chelsea's captain and the most naturally gifted right-back in the squad when fit. The 25-year-old has endured a frustrating period with injuries, which have limited his availability across recent campaigns. Despite these setbacks, his influence on the pitch is undeniable. James offers a unique blend of defensive solidity and attacking threat, with a crossing ability that ranks among the best in the Premier League. His set-piece delivery and long-range shooting add another dimension to Chelsea's offensive play.
The challenge for James and the club's medical staff has been managing his workload to ensure sustained fitness. When available, he provides leadership and experience to a relatively young defensive unit. Macfarland has used James in a hybrid role at times, tucking into midfield during possession phases to create numerical advantages. This tactical flexibility highlights the trust the coaching staff places in his football intelligence. The 2025/26 season represents a crucial period for James to demonstrate he can remain consistently available.
Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella has reinvented himself at Chelsea after a difficult start to his Stamford Bridge career. The Spanish left-back arrived with a reputation for aggressive, high-energy defending from his time at Brighton, but initially struggled to adapt to the tactical demands at Chelsea. Under successive managers, including Enzo Maresca and now Macfarland, Cucurella has found a role that maximises his strengths. His tenacity in one-on-one situations and willingness to engage in duels make him a reliable option on the left flank.
Cucurella's positional versatility has proved valuable. He has occasionally been deployed as an inverted full-back, stepping into central midfield to support build-up play. While not as naturally gifted on the ball as some of his teammates, his work rate and tactical discipline compensate. The emergence of younger options in the squad has kept Cucurella on his toes, but his experience in big matches—including European nights and domestic cup ties—gives him an edge in selection decisions.
Trevoh Chalobah
Trevoh Chalobah represents the quiet reliability that every successful squad needs. The 25-year-old academy graduate has spent much of his Chelsea career as a squad player, often filling in across the backline when injuries strike. His versatility is his greatest asset: Chalobah can operate as a centre-back in a back four or back three, and has even deputised at right-back when required. This adaptability has made him a valuable rotation option, particularly during congested fixture periods.
Chalobah's performances are characterised by simplicity and efficiency. He rarely overcomplicates his defending, preferring to win his duels and distribute the ball to more creative teammates. His aerial ability is a notable strength, making him an option against physically imposing opposition forwards. While he may not command a starting place in Chelsea's strongest XI, his professionalism and willingness to step in without complaint have earned him respect within the squad. The 2025/26 season could see Chalobah push for more consistent minutes, especially if Chelsea's defensive injury record continues.
Defensive Depth and Tactical Considerations
Chelsea's defensive unit for the 2025/26 season blends youth with experience, though the average age remains low. Colwill and Chalobah represent the academy pathway, while James and Cucurella bring Premier League experience from other clubs. The balance between these profiles gives Macfarland tactical flexibility. In matches where Chelsea dominate possession, Colwill's ball-playing ability and James's attacking runs become crucial. Against stronger opposition, Cucurella's defensive intensity and Chalobah's no-nonsense approach offer solidity.
The full-back positions have been a particular area of focus. James's injury history means Chelsea require reliable cover, and the club has invested in younger options to provide competition. Cucurella's form has been more consistent, but the left-back position remains one where the coaching staff looks for improvement. The defensive unit's ability to stay fit and perform consistently will be a key factor in Chelsea's ambitions for the season, particularly given the demanding schedule of Premier League, domestic cup, and European commitments.
What to Watch This Season
- James's fitness: How many matches can the captain play without breaking down? His availability could define Chelsea's right side.
- Colwill's leadership growth: With experience, does he take on more responsibility in organising the backline?
- Cucurella's consistency: Can he maintain his form across a full season, or will rotation become necessary?
- Chalobah's role: Will he push for a starting spot, or remain the reliable squad option?
- Defensive partnerships: How does Macfarland settle on his preferred centre-back pairing, and does it change based on opposition?