Which is why during our tour of the USA, we sat down with Cahill to discuss another English centre-back plying his trade in blue: Levi Colwill.

It was confirmed today that the 20-year-old has signed a new contract at Stamford Bridge. It runs until 2029, and there is a club option for a further 12 months.

Colwill started training with Chelsea at eight years old before joining the club as an Under-9. He has progressed through the Academy ranks at Cobham and built his reputation further with impressive loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Brighton and Hove Albion.

‘Having those different experiences really brings you on as a young player,’ explains Cahill. ‘They’re important. You get game time; you get to develop. Then comes the step up to Chelsea.’

Colwill, who helped England win the European Under-21 Championship this summer, returned to Chelsea for pre-season training and quickly made an impression on Mauricio Pochettino.

‘He can be one of the greatest centre-backs in England,’ the Chelsea head coach said during our time in the U.S.

Cahill was held in such esteem during his time at Stamford Bridge – and why he made 290 appearances during eight trophy-laden years with Chelsea.

The former England international only called time on his playing career in November. So, he remains able to provide unique insight as to what is required to thrive in the heart of the Chelsea defence.

He says: ‘Playing for Chelsea – throughout my time at the club – as a centre-back you are expected to be comfortable building from the back. There was never a coach who told the goalkeeper to hit it long every two minutes.

‘There’s more to it, of course. You look at attributes you want in a centre-back and ask: Is he tall and good in the air? Does he have good presence? Is he quick? Does he take up good positions to receive the ball? Is he composed on the ball?

‘Levi Colwill has those attributes – now he must keep learning and progressing.

'The manager will help him with that for sure. So will playing alongside Thiago [Silva], who has achieved so much in the game. He can soak up things from him, carry on learning and learning.

‘It will be a big season for him. From the training I’ve watched, from what I’ve seen from him in games, it’s clear he’s got massive potential and is a very good player.’