And that come the final whistle, when the players went over to thank the travelling supporters, it was the 24-year-old’s name being sung the loudest as he received a standing ovation.

Robert Sanchez has a strong claim for being the Blues’ man-of-the-match after his penalty save and almost faultless display at the Vitality Stadium. But anyone who watched Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth could clearly see the impact made by the winger.

Sancho was introduced at half-time by head coach Enzo Maresca. A bold decision which was immediately vindicated as Sancho helped transform the Blues’ performance in the second half.

The former Borussia Dortmund star showed most of his catalogue of skill on the coast. There were his trademark dribbles and nutmegs, backheel flicks, a string of piercing through-balls into the penalty box to create openings and most crucially, a match-winning assist for Christopher Nkunku with four minutes of normal time remaining.

Sancho was understandably happy with his maiden outing for Chelsea and made a point of expressing how appreciative he is to be a Blue.

He said: ‘It is amazing to make my debut for Chelsea and just be back playing. I am very grateful.

‘I thought the team played very well, we dug in until the end and we are happy with the three points.’

‘I have been working hard for this moment and I am happy that I got my chance,’ he added.

Sancho, who is from Kennington in London, just five miles from Stamford Bridge, came through the ranks at Watford initially before moving to Manchester City at the age of 14.

By 17 he had attracted the attention of Borussia Dortmund, as well as many others, and would go on to become one of the most exciting talents in European football during his four years in Germany.

He struggled to recreate his best form following a big-money move to Manchester United in 2021 but last season’s loan back to Dortmund highlighted his talents once again.

And on Deadline Day he joined Chelsea on loan for the season, with the Blues having an obligation to sign the England international permanently next summer.

When Sancho was asked if his move to Stamford Bridge felt like a chance to get back to enjoying his career again, he replied: ‘Yeah that is it. I had a great end to last season, being in the Champions League final, and I told myself going into this season that I wanted to have a great start to the season, and this is my first game so to get a win for Chelsea and obviously to make my debut too.’

Sancho has spent the last two weeks training with the Blues squad at Cobham and added: ‘I have to say thank you to all the staff and all my teammates. From the first day I came in, they have made me feel welcome and I want to thank them for making me feel this comfortable.’