For Broja, a new six-year deal followed a summer of simmering speculation about his future and acted as a signal, from both club and player, that paths are aligned when it comes to the young forward’s future.

The 20-year-old has made five substitute appearances already this term and, while he awaits a first start for the Blues, a Champions League debut and frequent match action are signs of progress being made.

‘However long it is, I try to give my all to the team, the club and the fans,’ Broja says. ‘Every time I do come on the pitch, I just focus on how I can help. If I can score, get an assist or just use my work-rate to hunt the ball down, I want to help the team as much as possible.

‘I’ve always been a confident boy so it’s important for me to keep that and remain confident. I feel like I can help the team a lot so I’ll keep doing my best on and off the pitch in every way I can.’

The new substitution rule permitting five changes in the Premier League has increased the possibility of involvement for players like Broja, who are pushing to establish themselves as regulars in the team. He believes the secret to success off the bench is to always expect the call and to be ready to make an impact regardless of the match situation.

‘You know if you’re on the bench that you now have more opportunities so everybody is preparing themselves mentally and physically to come on,’ he explained.

‘That can happen at any point, whether it’s in the last minute or half-time, whenever you’re needed depending on how the game is going. It’s about being ready, expecting it and staying focused.’

The Albanian international enjoyed a productive Premier League campaign on loan at Southampton last term. However, despite the talk of there being other suitors for his services this summer, his mind was set on breaking through at the Bridge, a dream he has harboured for many years and which feels almost within his grasp.

‘I was just focusing on myself and trying to get fit because I did injure myself a little bit in America,’ he said of pre-season. ‘You see the speculation but my full focus was always to be here and focus on Chelsea.

‘This is one of the best clubs in the world and there’s no better feeling to be playing for my boyhood club, the club I’ve supported my whole life.

‘Everywhere you go in football, there’s competition and that’s just normal. For me, it’s just about being focused, keeping my head down and working hard. Hopefully that leads to many more opportunities but I’m thankful for those I’ve had so far.

‘Chelsea have put their faith in me since I was a young player. They’ve always taught me to be resilient and a hard worker and always focus on football. Chelsea have taught me a lot, how to be a man and a good person, so I just want to repay their faith in me with my performances on the pitch, by scoring goals and winning matches.

‘We trust each other and that’s the bond you have. It’s like a family.’

While Broja was not among the movers this summer, the deadline day arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang has added to the striking options, yet there is nothing but positivity in the forward’s assessment of the situation as he views the new signing as a source of inspiration rather than a rival for minutes.

‘He’s a great player who has done a lot in his career so far and now he’s come to Chelsea I can learn a lot from him,’ he added on Aubameyang. ‘He’s done it at Arsenal and at Barcelona so he’s a good addition and he seems like a very good guy.

‘I’m excited to learn from him and a few things he has learned over the years. It’s always good to have that competition in the team.’