We take on Spanish side Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup in Belfast tonight, with the match set to be Rudiger’s 150th in a Chelsea shirt if he is selected in Thomas Tuchel’s back three.

With a personal landmark arriving and a continental trophy up for grabs, the German defender is keen to make it a night to remember for himself and his Chelsea team-mates at Windsor Park, but more importantly he wants to make sure we pick up where we left off with a strong start to this season after finishing the last campaign by winning the Champions League.

‘Obviously last season was a great success for us and we want to build on top of that and we want to win more and that starts today,’ said Rudiger.

‘I think that would be a good start to the season and we have to be up for it and this has to be in our mind, to win trophies.

'It doesn’t matter what the circumstances are, you have to go for it, but playing my 150th game for Chelsea can make the night even more special.’

However, Rudiger is well aware of the challenge that awaits us in the UEFA Super Cup, having been impressed with the way Unai Emery’s Villarreal won the Europa League last season, especially in their final against Manchester United.

‘Villarreal, I think they have proved a lot of people wrong, because their final it was like everyone in the country thought it was going to be an easy run for Man Utd.

‘They showed heart, they showed desire and they’re a Spanish team so obviously you know they’re going to play good football. Their coach knows how to play these sorts of finals so that also makes it tough, but we have to just look at ourselves and not underestimate anyone and go with 100 per cent in this game.’

He has no concerns about his fellow Blues being up to that challenge, though, insisting the squad is ready and eager for the 2021/22 season to begin after their summer break and pre-season.

‘I feel good and I think rest was needed, so now we’re back to work and it’s back to the time to give 100 per cent. We are feeling great. I think for a lot of players, they had a good pre-season and for some it was a bit shorter but we are ready to go.’