Chelsea may have already unearthed long-term solution to potential defensive crisis - The Mirror

The European champions have some potential problems in store at centre-half - with the likes of Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen nearing the end of their current deals at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are looking a good bet to compete for domestic and European honours this season.

They sit top of the Premier League after nine games, whilst Thomas Tuchel's side are also on course to progress in the Champions League as they bid to successfully defend the title they won last season.

A key component of their success this term has been their defence. It has been the bedrock for their success, and they have shipped just three goals in the league - the meanest in the division.

But there is a potential problem that lies ahead long-term, regarding their options at centre-half.

Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are both in something of a stand-off over contract extensions.

Both players, along with veteran Cesar Azpilicueta, are out of contract at the end of this season.

Add in the fact that Thiago Silva is now 37, and suddenly the Blues could be left very short at the back come the end of the season.

To that end, bubbling away nicely in the background meanwhile is the burgeoning form of Levi Colwill.

This summer Chelsea loaned him out to Championship side Huddersfield Town and he has already caught the eye in the second tier.

The 18-year-old has only just reached double figures for appearances in senior football but he has impressed at the heart of the Town defence, showing composure on the ball and plenty of promise.

So much in fact that Terriers' boss Carlos Corberan is tipping him for a bright future - and even a starring role for England one day.

Corberan said of Colwill: "He’s a very young player with a lot of things he is doing fantastically, and other things he needs to continue improving.

"My selection is never dependent on the player, it’s on the team. If he’s in my team it’s because I think he has the skills to help the team in that position.

“I think he’s going to be one of the most important centre-backs for this country in the future.

"I am seeing a player with a lot of potential and a lot of personality [and] he’s developed many of the skills to play a high level of football since he started training with us.

“The demands are always greater when you step up a level but I am seeing him develop in a very good way.

"Some of the things I saw from him before he started working with us. I am watching a player with a fast-growing development.

“Some players need more time for this process to make the transition from academy football to a high level of (senior) football [but] Colwill is adapting well to senior football.

"And I feel in another year he will have grown even more than he has done right now.”

Colwill penned a fresh deal with Chelsea prior to his year-long sojourn to West Yorkshire.

Tuchel will be hoping the youngster can now continue to impress for the rest of the season - and potentially give him a genuine selection headache next summer.