The Fall of Ben Chilwell: What Happened to Chelsea’s Star?

Ben Chilwell, once an integral part of Chelsea’s squad and one of the Premier League’s top left-backs, has found himself marginalized under new manager Enzo Maresca. The England international, who joined Chelsea in 2020 for £50 million from Leicester City, has seen his role diminish significantly this season. His lack of appearances and exclusion from the starting lineup have raised questions about his future at the club. This piece is set to explore Chilwell’s fall from grace, his current performance and what he can do to redeem himself.

The Fall of Chilwell’s Chelsea Career

Under previous managers like Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Sari, Chilwell was a key figure in Chelsea’s success, including their 2021 Champions League triumph. Known for his dangerous runs down the left flank, accurate crosses, and defensive reliability, he was a fan favorite. However, injuries have affected his time at Stamford Bridge. A ruptured ACL in 2021 kept him out for most of that season, and since then, he has struggled to recapture his peak form.

When Enzo Maresca took over as manager in 2024, he introduced a system that emphasizes versatility and tactical adaptability. In Maresca’s 3-2-4-1 formation, full-backs are often deployed as inverted players or hybrid midfielders. Chilwell, a traditional left-back, has struggled to adapt to this role, leading Maresca to favor alternatives like Marc Cucurella, who offer greater positional flexibility.

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Maresca’s Tactical Vision and Chilwell’s Exclusion

Maresca has been open about Chilwell’s exclusion, admitting that it’s a tactical decision rather than a reflection of the player’s professionalism, which he had declared in press conferences. Chilwell’s limited appearances, most notably a brief cameo in Chelsea’s 5-0 EFL Cup win over Barrow, has only shown the extent of his marginalization.

Reports suggest that Chelsea is willing to listen to offers for Chilwell in the upcoming transfer windows as the club aims to trim its squad and reinvest in younger, more adaptable players. His hefty wages and declining role make him a likely candidate for departure.

Analyzing Chilwell’s Current Form

In the 2024/25 season, Chilwell has made only one appearance in all competitions, with no goal contribution. Moreover, Chilwell remains an excellent crosser, a strong tackler, and a leader on the pitch, but injuries have hampered his pace and stamina, while his struggles to adapt to Maresca’s system have made him less valuable tactically.

How Can Chilwell Redeem Himself

One way for Chilwell to redeem himself from this decline and become the star player he once was, he must work on evolving his game to fit modern systems. Improving his ability to play in inverted roles or as a wing-back in a hybrid setup could make him a more versatile option. In addition, one thing fans and sports enthusiasts have come to know of Chilwel is that he frequently gets injured. Hence, staying injury-free is crucial. A personalized fitness program could help him regain the physical edge that once made him a standout player.

Furthermore, the option for him to make a redemption is perhaps to trigger a move to another Premier League club or even abroad which could reignite his career. Clubs like West Ham United or Inter Milan, which use traditional full-backs, could be ideal destinations.

Potential Suitors

Several clubs would benefit from Chilwell’s experience and skills. West Ham United, with their ambitions to strengthen their squad, could provide him with regular playing time. Similarly, clubs like Brighton or Bournemouth, which value full-back play, may offer him a chance to revive his career.

Conclusion

Ben Chilwell’s situation at Chelsea reflects the harsh realities of modern football. Injuries, tactical mismatches, and a changing footballing philosophy have pushed him out of the spotlight. However, with his quality and experience, he has the potential to turn things around, whether at Chelsea or elsewhere. For Chilwell, 2025 could be a decisive year, offering a chance to either adapt and fight his way back into the team or seek a fresh start to reignite his career.