Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted Trevor Chalobah has "forced" his way into his first-team plans and even confirmed he is "ready" for the Premier League.
Tuchel's comments came in the wake of Chalobah's impressive display during the UEFA Super Cup final clash against Villarreal, with the Blues winning 6-5 on penalties after the contest finished 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Chalobah was deployed as the right-sided defender in a back three, with Tuchel claiming the 22-year-old was "calm and physical" throughout the tie.
Following the game, Tuchel was pressed on whether he deems the defender ready to play Premier League football this season, to which the German responded: "Absolutely, that's why he played.
"He played good against Arsenal and he played a good game also against Bournemouth, then Arsenal, then Tottenham.
"We wanted to have guys on the field who are capable to play 90 minutes. Trevoh was first in training, the very first in training and is physically strong and deserved to play by his performances so far and again today he was very strong."
Tuchel explained how Chalobah found some moments more difficult but was helped by the presence of more experienced names alongside him.
"He suffered in some moments but later with Azpi [Cesar Azpilicueta] by his side and Jorgi [Jorginho] close to him and helping him in tactical organisation he stepped again up.
"He never lost face and stayed calm and was physical enough to play 120 minutes. It was quite impressive.
"He forced his way into our thinking. Let's see how it goes. We still have some days to decide his personal future but in the moment he shows his value to the team."
Is Chalobah ready for first-team action in the Premier League? Have your say here.
This goes against some recent reports touting Chalobah with yet another loan stint away from Stamford Bridge, this time with La Liga outfit Valencia.
The England U-21 international spent last term on loan with Ligue 1 side Lorient, which marked his first taste of football abroad after previous loan spells at Ipswich and Huddersfield Town.
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