Ben Chilwell commits long-term future to Leicester City after impressing with England

Chilwell has signed a deal with his boyhood club until 2024

Jack Watson
Saturday 20 October 2018 19:38 BST
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Ben Chilwell has committed his future to Leicester
Ben Chilwell has committed his future to Leicester (LCFC.com)

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Leicester City and England defender Ben Chilwell has committed his future to the Foxes by signing a long-term deal that keeps him at the King Power until June 2024.

Chilwell, who joined Leicester aged 12, was recently given his first full senior England cap in their Nations League match against Croatia behind closed doors and followed it up with a good performance against Spain in the 3-2 win.

“To sign a new contract here is very pleasing for myself and I’m very excited about the future... it's an amazing feeling," Chilwell told LCFC.com.

“To be 21-years-old and playing in the Premier League every week, it can’t be stressed enough how difficult it is.

The young left-back impressed with England
The young left-back impressed with England (Action Images via Reuters)

“Your family and your friends come and watch every match. Results are everything but also the style of football that we’re trying to play this season with a very young squad is exciting. That’s a massive reason why I wanted to commit my future here.”

Claude Puel has gradually integrated the 21-year-old in the Leicester first team over the last 12 months and believes that Chilwell is currently a fraction of the player he can become.

“It’s great news for the Club,” said Puel. “Ben is an exciting young player with huge potential who is already learning and improving by playing regular Premier League football. If he continues to work hard he will become a valuable player for us and I hope for the England team.

“He is already an example for the young players of our Academy, highlights the excellent work within it and validates the project of the Club.”

Chilwell was called up to replace Luke Shaw in the injury-hit England side in September and made his first Three Lions appearance at the King Power Stadium in the 1-0 friendly win against Switzerland. He was named as part of the full team for the recent Nations League ties and, in line with his career development, slotted right into place without a problem.

England manager Gareth Southgate worked with Chilwell when he was England Under-21 manager and recently raved about his ability to perform in the big matches. “Ben was excellent,” he said after the goalless draw in Croatia.

“He didn’t dive in, his use of the ball was excellent. He should be proud of his performance.”

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