It has been an impressive start to the Premier League 2 season for Dan Chesters, who is thriving in the wing-back role.
Often deployed as part of a front three last season, Chesters has moved to right wing-back this campaign, a role that has seen the 20-year-old hit a stunning run of form, and the U21s win four straight fixtures.
Indeed, it was in this position that Chesters appeared in the senior pre-season tour of Australia over the summer – and now it is one he has well and truly made his own at the U21 level too.
“I think it’s a really good position for me,” he explained. “It lets me express myself and get into 1v1s with the opposition full-back so I can show my skills and attack them.
“You have that time and space to take players on. A lot of influence on the game as you see a lot of the ball, more of the ball than when you are on the wing.”
And there is no doubt that Chesters has done just that. Having impressed for the U21s following his return from a loan spell at Colchester United midway through the 2022/23 season, Chesters has started 2023/24 with a bang.
Alongside Ollie Scarles, the attacking wing-backs have often found themselves part of a front five alongside Callum Marshall, Gideon Kodua, and George Earthy. It allows the U21s to dominate their opponents and overload their defence with numerous runners from deep.
“There are real attacking players [Ollie and Dan],” lead coach Steve Potts explained. “They use the width really well and get in behind countless times.
“With Dan, he’s naturally an attacking player. When you play him at wing-back you know what you are going to get. He is going to do his defensive duties but really you want him going forward as much as he can.”
Key though to this run of individual form has been the attitude of Chesters, who has taken on the challenge of a new role, with confidence, grit, and determination too.
With a settled starting XI over the past few weeks, the support of a solid back-three in Luizão, Kaelan Casey, and Levi Laing gives him that confidence to push on. As does, a steely midfield two of Patrick Kelly and Lewis Orford.
“It’s hard to learn a more defensive role for me because I am used to playing on the wing or midfielder,” Chesters added, “but with Levi [Laing] next to me, it helps because he’s a good communicator.
“Patrick Kelly and Lewis Orford are really solid players which gives you a free license to attack more.”
Playing a different role has taken time for Chesters to adapt but there is no doubt he is enjoying the position.
His assist in the pre-season tour against Perth Glory shows the player has performed in this role at the senior level too.
Chesters, who made two appearances for the first time in 2021/22, one in the UEFA Europa League and one in the Premier League, is hoping for more chances under David Moyes this term.
"I am enjoying the challenge a lot and hopefully, it leads to more chances with the first team!” he added. “I just want to keep showing what I can do in that position.”
