The 19-year-old, a right-footed central defender, is one of many of our Cobham graduates that was part of the Chelsea squad that travelled across the Pond. While of course spending time with the likes of Lewis Hall, Mason Burstow and Bashir Humphreys, the tour across the Atlantic has also provided Alfie ample opportunity to get used to the first-team environment.

Although it is not a new setting for him. Back in May, the centre-back was named in our matchday squad for the first time, when we visited Manchester United.

He reflected on that experience, when we sat down with him Stateside recently.

‘It was crazy. It felt like I was a fan on the bench, it was nuts. The noise, the fans are literally that close to you. Have you seen the bench at Old Trafford?' Gilchrist ponders.

‘I was sat on the bench, and the fans were there on my shoulder! When I was warming up, I was getting a bit of stick, like fans saying, "Who the hell are you?" he jokes.

‘I remember, I was just copying [Kalidou] Koulibaly stretching. I didn’t know what to do. That was my first time on the bench, so it was quite surreal, and a proud moment. Although I would have loved to have come on!’

After being the only defender nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season last campaign, there are irrefutable signs of improvement for Gilchrist. He is eyeing another successful campaign in Chelsea blue, whether that be for Mauricio Pochettino or Mark Robinson in the development squad building.

‘I was just proud to be the only defender on the shortlist,' Alfie stated. 'That was nice, and very rewarding. I had a lot of injuries in 2021/22, I’d play a game and then miss two. I was growing, adapting, and getting older. So I did quite well last season on that front.

‘I was captain for the last half of the season, when Bashir [Humphreys] went on loan, which gave me confidence. I had a good season. And then leading into this one, I’ll stay for at least another six months and then see what happens. I’ll always be available when needed,’ Gilchrist says.

‘For pre-season, I came back a week early to train on my own with Leo [Castledine]. Got back to Cobham, and then had pre-season in Portugal. And then I went to America, so things are good - I’m loving it!’