Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has informed future Cobham graduates how to navigate a way into the Blues' first team.
Chalobah, 22, scored the opening goal in Thomas Tuchel's sides 4-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League as the defender set the team on the way to grab control of Group H.
It is almost a surprise to put Chalobah and Chelsea in the same sentence this year, especially considering how close he came to becoming part of the loan army once again for the current 2021/22 season.
If it wasn't for the Jules Kounde deal collapsing with Sevilla holding firm on their price for the defender, then Nathaniel's brother would be learning his trade elsewhere but it's a credit to him that he grasped the opportunity that came his way.
The masterclass showing in the UEFA Super Cup win against Villarreal coupled with the solid and consistent performances from the start of the season until now has put the 22-year-old in good stead for a long-term future in west London, despite uncertain times in recent years.
Ahead of the Juventus win, Chalobah himself explained to BT Sport just how he got to where is he is today- a message that will reverberate around Cobham for the players are coming through the ranks and who are currently in the loan system.
He said: "For me I've always been prepared for this. I came into pre-season to to prove to the manager that I'm good enough and show my qualities.
"I knew I was under pressure and I knew what I needed to do - I was confident. My first goal for the club was a unbelievable moment.
"It just highlighted all the hard work, everything I put into this moment. I got the opportunity from the manager and took it well.
"I just keep going; for me its consistency that's important for me as a young playing for a big club like this. The strong mentality comes from my family.
"My older brother, Nathaniel taught me a lot and I've learned a lot from him. I think it’s fantastic for a young player like me to be around these players and learn.
"Try to be in their shoes and be as successful as them. The best way for me is being around them and watch them train and playing alongside them."
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These inspiring words have coincided well with Steve McManaman and Joe Cole's verdicts of the player, who will be in line to start against Manchester United at the weekend after his showing against the Italian giants.
The former of the pair said pre-match: "He's worked hard and the fact that he’s been given this opportunity now, he’s arguably learning from the best around Chelsea.
"Chelsea as we’ve said before are in real good form right now. Experience and quality throughout. So, the fact that this young lad can train with the likes of Thiago Silva and Rudiger to learn from them - that experience is invaluable.
"It’s great for the Chelsea fans to see a young lad come through the academy and play in the first-team. There’s nothing better at times."
