Mauricio Pochettino has highlighted Djordje Petrovic as an example of how his young team are developing and maturing this season.
The Blues have hit somewhat of a late season resurgence and are unbeaten since the 5-0 thrashing against Arsenal, a run that has seen them draw against Aston Villa and beat Tottenham, West Ham and Nottingham Forest.
With just two games remaining Pochettino’s side sit seventh in the table, level on points with Newcastle in sixth, which is the last remaining Europa League spot, providing Manchester United don’t win the FA Cup.
Pochettino praises Petrovic
It’s been an up and down season for the Blues with so many young and inexperienced players coming through the door last summer.
A lot didn’t have much, if any Premier League experience before arriving at Stamford Bridge and it has taken time for the group to adapt and mature to the demands of the league.
However, over the last few weeks there have been signs the team is maturing and making better decisions on the pitch, with the Blues picking up far less bookings for poor discipline compared to the start of the season.
Pochettino has opened up on how he feels the team are maturing and singled out Petrovic as an example of this.
“Of course we have players improving and getting more mature”, Pochettino told reporters.
“They are living their first experience in the Premier League, the goalkeeper came from MLS and is doing fantastic, he is growing and discovering feelings in the toughest competition.”
Petrovic arrived last summer from MLS side New England Revolution and had to wait until December to make his debut.
Since then he’s been a mainstay in the side due to Robert Sanchez being injured, and has really impressed between the sticks for the Blues, showing that he does have what it takes to be the club’s number one.
The 24-year-old has made 21 appearances in the Premier League, keeping five cleans sheets, with seven in all competitions.