Plenty of Chelsea players turned from boys to men in front of their supporters’ eyes at the weekend when they faced up against Nottingham Forest in the final Premier League game of the season.
The Blues snapped their horrible streak away from home to beat Nottingham Forest 1-0, booking their place in the Champions League for next season.
The players, who pundits doubted would have the bottle to win at the City Ground, enjoyed their celebrations at full-time, while Enzo Maresca embraced club captain Reece James.
Those who were trusted with a start repaid the faith put in them by the manager, however some of those have been relied upon all throughout the season.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Micah Richards praises Chelsea star after win vs Nottingham Forest
One of those players was Levi Colwill, and it was perhaps fitting that the only goal of the game was scored by a player who has spent the majority of his life as part of the football club.
As well as scoring, the England international didn’t put a foot wrong at the back against a dangerous Forest attack.
Micah Richards was full of praise for Colwill, telling Match of the Day that he believes the centre-back is making great strides in his improvement.
He said: “22 years of age. He really is [improving] defensively, but today to get the goal that takes them into the Champions League is brilliant. He was like a prime Lineker there the way he moved at the back post to tap in. You just see when the cross comes in, the concentration on him just making sure he gets it in the net.”
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Colwill’s Man of the Match display explained
Colwill was named in the Team of the Week for the final round of Premier League fixtures, and he was absolutely dominant at the back when his side needed him most.
Levi Colwill vs Nottingham Forest Total
Minutes 90
Goals 1
Clearances 6
Defensive Actions 9
Duels Won 3
Completed Passes 50/56
Maresca picked the perfect defensive partnership for the game, with Tosin Adarabioyo proving doubters wrong with his display too.
For Colwill though, it has been a sign of how far he has come in recent months at Stamford Bridge, and he is certainly one of those who deserves the opportunity to take part in the Champions League next season.