Colwill says he would be scared to play Chelsea if he was a member of other team

Levi Colwill says he would be 'afraid' of playing against Chelsea if he was a member of an opposition team because of the way they 'mistreat' teams with their performances in the Premier League.

Ahead of Sunday's visit of Aston Villa, Colwill also credited Enzo Maresca with turning the club into instant top-four contenders. Having only lost to Manchester City and Liverpool this season, the Blues centre-back went so far as to say Maresca has removed the 'question mark' that previously hung over Chelsea.

Colwill has been an ever-present in Chelsea's defense this season and when discussing their attack under Nicolas Jackson, he said: 'I would be scared to play against us. The way we break teams apart and create so many chances on goal is fantastic. It's not a shock.

“If you play really good football, teams will change to hurt you. We just have to keep adapting to it, keep playing our football and keep winning games. Villa is the perfect opportunity for us to put on a show for the fans and win the match.

'It's because of the manager. He came in and gave us that confidence. He has put us on track fantastically. We go into games and, it's fair to say, we abuse most teams. We play very good football.

People no longer look at us with a question mark. They know we are going to play good football and try to win games. That's what we did.'

Colwill spoke to reporters after Chelsea's Conference League victory in Heidenheim on Thursday. When Maresca gave him the opportunity in his first team's central defense, the 21-year-old Englishman continued: 'I couldn't ask for anything more. The gaffer has given me the confidence that I can play my best football on the pitch and I have no excuses.”

When asked whether he is happier at center back than at left back, where he was previously deployed, he replied: 'Absolutely. I like playing for the team anywhere, but I like getting into a position where I can play my football, show my skills and show everyone what I can do.

'That's what I'm doing this season thanks to the manager. I hope it continues.'

Colwill currently lives at home with his parents – and his XL bully Stormz – and he said: 'It's worth it. I couldn't complain about living at home. I am treated like a king by my father, mother and brother. It's the best thing I've done.'