Chelsea youngster believes step up will help his development

Chelsea teenager Trevor Chalobah believes a step up in age group this season will help speed up his maturity as a footballer.

The 17-year-old defender is set to feature more regularly for the Blues’ development squad, which this season will compete with Under-23 teams in the rebranded Premier League 2.

And Chalobah feels he will learn a lot from coming up against players almost six years older than him.

He told Chelsea’s website: “As a team we’re a bit younger than most but I think that can only help us develop better as young players.

“It’s a real development year, getting the feel of the new Under-23 league and playing against bigger, older players, but it can only help us in the long-term. It’s important we get ready for what’s to come in the future.

“It’s been really good to step up and train with the development squad every day. The sessions are a lot harder, more physical and there’s more off-the-ball work too.

“Pre-season has really helped me to get used to this level. I feel fitter and capable to run more and for a longer period of time.”