Ben Chilwell is unfazed by competition from new Chelsea signing Marc Cucurella and says they will ‘push each other’ to higher levels.
Chelsea spent more than £60m to sign Cucurella from Brighton, with the 24-year-old signing a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
The deal raised eyebrows as Chelsea already have Chilwell in the left-back position, with Arsenal legend Martin Keown and Manchester United hero Gary Neville among those to question the signing.
Asked about Cucurella’s arrival at the club, Chilwell said: ‘We’re at Chelsea so there’s going to be a lot of good players here.
‘Competition for places is going to be fierce and obviously we’re going to push each other the same as everyone else in the team.’
Cucurella, Raheem Sterling and Koulibaly all made their Chelsea debuts in the club’s Premier League opener against Everton.
‘They all did really well,’ Chilwell added after Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Goodison Park. ‘They impacted the game really positively so we’re very happy to have all of them.
‘They’re going to help us a lot this season because they’re three really good signings.’
Chilwell made a brief cameo on the last day of last season but made his first start since November against Everton as he completed his recovery from injury.
He said: ‘I’m feeling good and ready. Obviously it’s my first game in the Premier League for a long time so I’m very happy to be back, it’s the best feeling in the world.
‘I’ve been out for a long time so to come back into the Premier League and have an impact winning a penalty for the team to get the win was a really nice feeling.
‘I’ve worked hard for a long time for that moment to play in the Premier League again and it just felt amazing to be back on the pitch with the boys.
‘I’ve had the whole of pre-season plus a few extra weeks where I came in early but it’s completely different to this.
‘The Premier League is intense, that’s why it’s one of the best leagues in the world. Every week is a tough game especially when you come here, one of the toughest places to come, so I’m happy to get the win but also exhausted.
‘We had a conversation yesterday where he [Thomas Tuchel] asked if I felt ready and I said of course.
‘I don’t know if I am but I feel like I am. I worked hard over the summer so in my head mentally and physically I’m ready to help the team.’
