Ben Chilwell: A Second Chance
After a tumultuous end to his time at Chelsea, left-back Ben Chilwell is relaunching his career at French club Strasbourg. Eyeing a spot on England's World Cup squad, he is determined to silence doubters who wrote him off.
"What a story it would be if I went to the World Cup after I was in the [Chelsea] bomb squad and everyone had counted me out 12 months prior."
Chilwell's journey has been marked by injuries, including a crucial cruciate ligament tear at the end of 2021 and a hamstring tear that sidelined him from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Now, with a fresh start, he is focused on proving his worth both at the club and international levels.
The Road to Strasbourg
Making his way to Strasbourg on deadline day, Chilwell's time in Chelsea's so-called "bomb squad" served as a harsh reality check. Despite the obstacles, he embraced his transition, stating, "It was my decision [to move]. I had other clubs that had no links to Chelsea, and I chose to come here because of the conversation with the manager.”
His choice was influenced by manager Liam Rosenior, who has revitalized the team and ignited Chilwell's passion for the game. "Liam said I'd be surprised how much I'd enjoy it. He still thought I could improve and said he would ask me to play certain roles I haven't before, which has already started to happen," he explained.
Building a Future
At Strasbourg, Chilwell has played a vital role, featuring in almost all Ligue 1 matches as they compete for top spots in the league. The club's commitment to growth, bolstered by the same ownership as Chelsea, has provided him the stability he needs to thrive.
Resilience and Determination
Even amidst doubts, Chilwell remains focused on his aspirations. "Probably 99 out of 100 people are saying, 'No, he's not going, and it is impossible to go to the World Cup.' But I've had conversations with Thomas Tuchel; it's not out of the equation." His competitive spirit and determination to re-establish himself as a key player are both commendable and poignant.
"It would just be the biggest middle finger to so many people, which to me is motivation."
In overcoming past challenges, specifically the fallout with Chelsea and the change in managerial strategy, Chilwell has emerged not only more resilient but wiser in navigating his sports career.
A New Chapter
His positive contributions to Strasbourg parallel his personal growth as he copes with the loss of his father and becomes a source of strength for his family. "My dad is the reason that I am where I am," Chilwell shared, illustrating the deeper emotional connections that inspire his gameplay.
Chilwell's commitment to his craft stretches beyond football, as he aims to help younger players avoid the pitfalls of social media that can cloud their judgment and detract from their performance.
Embracing the Future
Despite the hurdles, just stepping onto the pitch has reignited his passion for football. He reflects, "I was just falling out of love with football because I'd not played - now it's 60,000 mad fans at Lyon. I've been injury-free for two years and just needed an opportunity.” This striking narrative of renewal sets the stage for what could be a triumphant return to England's national squad.
Conclusion: The World Cup on the Horizon
Chilwell's ambitions remain high; as he looks to be part of the quest for glory at the upcoming World Cup, he offers an inspiring message. "First things first, I want to play well here, be healthy, and then the rest - the World Cup - may follow." His journey reflects not only the technical aspects of the game but the heart and resilience that define true sportsmanship.
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cd67dp9dvxeo
