Chalobah arrived at Ipswich as a young international defender... but he now sees his future in the centre of midfield

Trevoh Chalobah and Jay Fulton battle for the ball in the first half. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COM (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Trevoh Chalobah’s experience at Ipswich Town means the Chelsea loanee now sees himself as a central midfielder.

The teenager had played the majority of his youth football as a central defender, both in the Chelsea youth system and at international level, before Paul Hurst brought him to Portman Road in the summer for a first taste of the senior game.

He’s played 41 games for the Blues in the midfield, with his one defensive appearance coming in the 3-0 loss at Millwall immediately following Hurst’s sacking, and now sees his future in the middle of the pitch.

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“For me it’s good to have two positions,” he said.

“When I came in here I thought I was going to play centre-back but I’ve ended up in midfield and I’ve learnt a lot.

Asked which position he’d pick, Chalobah replied: “Probably central midfield.

“I was a centre-back when I first came and Paul Hurst told me I’d be playing in midfield so straight away I had to sort my game out.

Trevoh Chalobah celebrates his winner at Swnasea City Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd.07976 935738)

“I played a few games there last season, which helped a bit, as did watching videos of my brother.

“I have learned a lot and this league is tough physically. I’ve played a lot of games and probably tired a bit towards the end of the season but I think I have coped pretty well.

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“I know I’m a much better player for the experience. When I was playing for the Chelsea U21 side it was nothing like as intense as it has been every week in the Championship.”

Chalobah says he and his team-mates have been ‘hit hard’ following confirmation of the club’s relegation, but has backed his temporary club to win promotion from League One at the first time of asking.

“It hit us very hard but all we can do is to make sure we focus on the next two games,” Chalobah said.

“The fans have been with us from minute one and that’s been the most disappointing thing, letting them down.

“The players and the fans must stick together into next season as well and try to bring this club back at the first opportunity. I’m sure they can bounce back next season.

Trevoh Chalobah was also a second half substitute at Preston. Photo: Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

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“I think they will be alright. The players that they have at the club are really exciting and a good bunch of lads. They have a lot of desire to put things right after relegation.

“If they can show that next season, and if they can add a few goals from somewhere, I can see them doing well.”