Hiddink hails Traore progress and explains plans for youngsters

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink says Bertrand Traore’s recent performances have shown how far he has progressed.

The 20-year-old came on for Loic Remy in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with West Ham, ahead of the more experienced Alexandre Pato.

Traore has scored four goals in 11 appearances this season and was involved in the move that led to Chelsea’s late penalty against the Hammers.

Hiddink told Chelsea’s website: “Traore has progressed since December and we are working daily with him.

“If you see, for instance, his lay-off which meant Willian really could penetrate and give the final pass to [Ruben] Loftus-Cheek – you hardly notice it but it was a very soft lay-off, five yards, and we have worked on those things.

“He progressed very well in January and February and he is proving that now in games.”

Hiddink added that, despite Chelsea having very little to play for this season, he would still be cautious in blooding youngsters.

He said: “The Premier League is difficult, which is why I bring the young players like Traore, Loftus-Cheek and Kenedy in every now and then.

“It is difficult for them to already be key players. At 19 or 20 years old it is a little too much to ask them to be like those who are years and years here like [Frank] Lampard, [John] Terry and [Didier] Drogba.

“They must be additional to a good team but they can be useful squad players.”