Having joined our Academy at eight years old, Rak-Sakyi was handed his first senior outing in our comfortable Conference League victory over FC Noah and featured once more in the competition during our 2-0 win over Bundesliga club Heidenheim.

Both appearances were made from the bench and with the Blues ahead. It was a different situation against Astana. Named in the starting XI, Rak-Sakyi was handed the responsibility of anchoring the Blues midfield by Enzo Maresca, it was a role he performed effectively.

A calming presence in possession, all but one of Rak-Sakyi's 88 passes were completed while he protected his defence well. It was a mature display from the 19-year-old.

'They were tough conditions but you’ve got to be ready to play,' Rak-Sakyi reflected after our 3-1 victory in Kazakhstan. 'I’m just happy to have had the opportunity.

'I found out today in the meeting that I was starting, so it was a late one. But I wasn’t too surprised because of the number of players that travelled and because the coach was talking to me before we got here, so I had a feeling.'

In the bowl of the stadium in Almaty, Rak-Sakyi had yet to speak to his family about his proud achievement, but he highlighted the support he had received from his fellow youngsters and also a senior voice in the Chelsea dressing room.

'All the players have been really helpful and Tosin is a real leader in the changing room. He, in particular, has helped me,' said the young midfielder.

‘It was a good experience and I’m very proud. I want to give the glory to God cause without him none of this would be possible.’