Ebbsfleet United manager Josh Wright says utility player Ben Chapman has all the attributes to excel in a central midfield role

Ebbsfleet manager Josh Wright has praised Ben Chapman’s impressive start to the season.

The energetic 26-year-old utility player has shone in a central midfield role in the opening weeks.

He’s also had to fill in at wing-back but Wright believes Chapman has all the qualities to become a big player in central areas.

“I think Ben Chapman’s been brilliant so far,” said the Fleet boss. “I think he knows it as well, his energy, his enthusiasm, his flair and also his quality.

“He’s been a pleasure to watch and a pleasure to have around. Long may that continue because we’ve been really pleased with him.

“He can play a number of positions and that’s such a great trait to add versatility. But we said to him when we were doing a new deal with him and through the summer that we think he can be a really good midfielder.

“He can play as an eight or a 10, because he can do the other side of it. He’s got the energy to drive you up the pitch and he’s got the speed.

“Then he can fill into the wing-back roles. He could play even centre-half if you needed him, full-back, forward, he’s one of them that can play everywhere. He’s even played in goal for the club, hasn't he?”

Former Gillingham youngster Chapman started his career in central midfield but has been moved primarily to wing-back roles since joining the Fleet.

Wright was in the first team at Priestfield when Chapman was progressing through the youth ranks so he’s fully aware of the player’s qualities.

“He was obviously a younger boy than me, but he was at Gillingham when I was there and we know he can play midfield. I’ve played with him in there and played against him.

“I think that can be his best position. I have no qualms about playing him full-back, wing-back, wherever that