Both N’Golo Kante and Jorginho have been recognised for their phenomenal performances for club and country last season by making the final three-man shortlist, decided by a jury composed of elite coaches and journalists from all over Europe.

Our duo are joined by Kevin De Bruyne in the top three, with the winner set to be announced at Thursday’s Champions League draw. Thomas Tuchel has given his verdict on the trio of candidates, including the Chelsea pair so integral to our European triumphs this year.

‘It is a good sign for football, and that includes Kevin De Bruyne 200 per cent,’ said the boss.

‘I see in all three of them true team players, and true helpers. They make things easy for others. They are not shy to take any job on the field that helps their team-mates, and maybe stops them shining, even.

‘They are some of the very best midfielders in the world. They had a fantastic season, and all three of them deserve to be in the mix for this title. They have a fantastic work-rate, team spirit and fantastic mentality to help everybody out and solve problems.

‘It’s a team sport, and these guys are so important for any top-flight team, and any team that has high ambitions. Putting them in the spotlight can only help, and will not change their attitude.’

Asked who he would choose to win, Tuchel naturally said he would give a vote each to Kante and Jorginho. The boss himself has made the Men’s Coach of the Year shortlist, but it is not a priority for him.

‘We know about it, and I heard about it, but it’s not the most important, individual awards. The most important is we produce performances as a team. That includes me, the manager, and everybody in the staff, and that includes every player of course.

‘This is a team sport and that’s why we love it. It will stay like this.’