The Blues faced the sternest test possible to start the season. Man City arrived having won the past four Premier League titles, and their class eventually told as they ran out 2-0 winners.

However, Chelsea were very much in the contest giving Colwill, who partnered Wesley Fofana in the heart of defence, grounds for optimism.

‘There’s definitely a lot of positives we can take,’ he said.

‘There were times when we showed how good we are. We had a lot of chances and on another day we take them, and the result would have been different. I’m positive of that. Playing against the champions, the best in the world right now, we held our own at times.

‘You could see us gelling at certain points. When we played our football, even against the best team in the world, we broke them down well and created chances, so we are getting there, for sure. We just have to be patient and keep working hard.’

Colwill has enjoyed working under Maresca since pre-season began last month. While the head coach’s detailed footballing philosophy remains a work in progress for our young squad, Colwill is confident it will bear fruit before long.

‘From the first game of pre-season you can see how much has changed and how much we’ve improved,’ he asserted.

‘We are learning quick. During the season we are going to keep improving and by then I’m sure we are going to be a better team than we are now.

‘I’m excited for the future, and what the gaffer can bring to this team. The players around me and on the bench are all as good as each other. Everyone can tell we are building something, and it’s something positive for the future as well.’