The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough term at Stamford Bridge in 2021/22, making 30 appearances in all competitions and scoring four goals, including his first in the Premier League and Champions League.

His target now is to capitalise on the departure of defensive colleagues and play an even bigger role for Thomas Tuchel’s side, starting in pre-season where he could start tonight against Club America in Las Vegas.

• 'Fans will like what they see' - Mendy on Koulibaly

• Tuchel on Vegas matchday

• Opposition watch: Club America

‘We’re just focusing on pre-season training, getting fit and playing in the games so that’s the focus right now,’ he said at a press conference at the Allegiant Stadium.

‘I haven’t spoken to the manager personally yet but my aim is just to do well in pre-season, like how I started last year, and start strong again.’

Others in the travelling USA tour squad will be hoping to follow in Chalobah’s footsteps by making an impression on their return from loan, including the likes of Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja.

Speaking in a press conference of his own on Friday evening, Tuchel urged those players to use Chalobah as the example to follow.

‘He is the role model,’ said the Blues head coach. ‘He came, took his chances, he started in the Super Cup against Villarreal last season and that's what it's all about.

‘You can discuss and make plans for all these players but they're not worth the paper where you write them because it can change every minute and you have to simply be ready.

‘All the young players and all the players who come from loan or from different situations want to make a statement here. They're more than invited, they’re supported, and we're open but they're well aware that the task is very high because the group is competitive and strong.’

Chalobah agrees that the opportunity is there for anybody in Tuchel’s meritocracy and he knows better than most that the key is being able to take your chance whenever it comes, as he did a year ago after three seasons out on loan.

‘They just need to impress and be ready,’ he stated. ‘That’s what I did last season and I want to do the same, so for players coming back from loan it’s the same thing really - just give it your all and you never know what could happen.

‘He [Tuchel] definitely sees us as all the same and everyone is on the same level at the moment so it’s up to whoever wants it more and wants to impress.’

Age is no barrier in this Chelsea squad and the evergreen Thiago Silva is the perfect example of that. The Brazilian turns 38 in the autumn but remains influential for the Blues, his on-field assuredness and off-pitch experience key attributes for Chalobah to learn from.

‘He is one of the idols I’ve always looked up to when I was young,’ he revealed. ‘He brings a lot of experience to the team. If you see how he played last season, unbelievable.

‘For me as a young player, trying to get to that level is very important for me and to learn from him every day. Everyone from the team learns from him as well and he brings just a massive character to the team.’

The arrival of Kalidou Koulibaly will add competitiveness to the centre-back ranks but Chalobah is up for the challenge that comes with being a Chelsea player, while he also had words of excitement for the signing of Raheem Sterling.

‘This is a big club and Chelsea is always going to try to strengthen the team in every position,’ he added. ‘I’m just focused on what I need to do to get into the team and do what I did last season, to step it up 10 times more and show the manager that I’m ready.

‘It brings a lot to the team, how much of a big player he is,’ he added on Sterling’s signing. ‘He’s won a lot and scored a lot of goals so to get that type of player joining our squad to then help us win games and trophies is going to be massive for us. We’re all excited.’