A year after signing for the Blues - with both Kaptein, 18, and Bernabe, 22, going straight out on loan in their respective homelands of the Netherlands and Spain - the duo had their first taste of a Chelsea match in our pre-season win over NJ/NY Gotham in New Jersey.

Kaptein started in the 3-1 victory and played more than an hour in midfield, while defender Bernabe entered the fray in the 66th minute.

It was a special night to remember for both players. One they will certainly never forget as they began their journeys in a Chelsea shirt.

'It was such a big honour to play with those kind of players on the field,' Kaptein said. 'They make it look so easy and are just so good.

'When we were getting ready to walk out onto the pitch, I had goosebumps everywhere. It was just really great, and I enjoyed it a lot.'

Although she has only been working with her teammates for a fortnight, Bernabe - who spent last season on loan with Real Sociedad - felt at ease in her new surroundings when she took her place in the backline.

'I was just so excited,' the Spanish defender said about making her first appearance for Chelsea. 'It really was a dream come true.

'I was not nervous for the game, and was actually really happy because I feel so comfortable with the team and with everything. Everyone has made it really easy for me because they are so friendly and have supported me a lot.'

During our pre-season tour, both players have been able to better get to know their teammates on and off the pitch.

As we chat, the pair laugh and joke with each other. It is clear they have already formed a close bond.

'It is really important to know the player and the person,' Bernabe said. 'We've had time to be together a lot as a whole group. It has been nice to meet everyone - and we've been able to play a lot of darts and ping-pong!'

A year after first signing on the dotted line, Kaptein and Bernabe believe their respective loan spells made them even better players than the ones first acquired by Chelsea.

Kaptein - now an 11-cap senior international - spent the season with FC Twente; the club she joined the Blues from after coming up through the Dutch side's ranks.

The young midfielder won her second Vrouwen Eredivisie title last term while on loan, having lifted the trophy in 2022 in what was her first campaign in professional football.

'I was 17 when I joined Chelsea and I was young so it was better for me to go back [to the Netherlands] to get minutes,' Kaptein said. 'It was an honour Chelsea wanted me, and then I went back and finished school and went on loan.

'The last two months at Twente, I felt like I was now ready to come to Chelsea. To finally be here and playing games, I am really enjoying it.

'I hope to bring a lot of dynamism to the team this season. I'm a technical player and when I'm playing I will give everything, 100 per cent of what I have I will give to the team.'

Meanwhile, Bernabe made 31 appearances during her loan spell in her native Spain with Sociedad, scoring once.

'Of course,' Bernabe answers when asked if she comes to the Blues as a better player thanks to being on loan. 'I had to prepare my mentality for coming to Chelsea because it was a big step.

'There is more intensity here at Chelsea. So first, I had to prepare my head because with the intensity and quality [on the ball] you can improve, but you have to make sure your mindset is in the right place.

'For me, the first few days in the beginning were a bit more difficult trying to adapt. Now, I'm starting to get used to it all and it has been really good.'