Since making his senior debut in mid-March, Alexandar Popović has been almost impeccable in the heart of the defence for Adelaide United.
The 19-year-old has improved with each game and appearing more and more comfortable.
He was unflappable again on Saturday night as the Reds claimed a 2-0 win against Brisbane Roar to secure a top-six berth.
George Blackwood opened the scoring with a bouncing header before Hiroshi Ibusuki doubled Adelaide’s advantage on 27 minutes with a composed finish.
It was Popović’s fourth straight start, playing the entire 90 minutes and himself and Lachlan Barr have forged an imposing centre-back partnership as the pair complement each other well.
The centre-back praised the team environment which has enabled him to flourish and make the seamless transition from the Club’s Youth Team.
“I’m still learning off the senior boys, but I’m just enjoying every minute I’m out here,” he told Network 10 following the game.
“Fortunately, we have a good culture in our team. All the boys get around each other and they’re always helping you.
“I’m not afraid to ask questions and to keep on learning from the older boys.”
Adelaide can guarantee a fourth place finish and home elimination final if it beats Western United this coming Sunday or Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix both fail to collect maximum points midweek.
