Bashir Humphreys made a significant impact throughout the season just completed with his assured performances and leadership from the backline. With impressive performances for Chelsea's Under-21s team and a loan spell at second-tier German side Paderborn, Humphreys has been able to continue developing as a defender in the professional game. 

Notably, he played a crucial role in England's Under-20 World Cup campaign. He scored in the second group-stage game against Uruguay.

Moreover, Humphreys was handed his debut for the Chelsea men's first team in the FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester City. 

As we delve further into Bashir’s season from his perspective, it is clear that the 20-year-old from Exeter is a promising young talent.

Firstly, let us settle this debate: Are you left or right footed?

'I am both!'

Before going on loan you made your men's first-team debut at Chelsea. How was that for you and your family and what did it teach you?

'Making my professional debut in a Chelsea shirt was an unbelievable experience. The game did not go how I would have hoped, but to be able to play in a Chelsea shirt in the FA Cup against a team like Manchester City is a huge blessing and that was a game that I will never forget.

'I was not expecting to play that day as Chelsea have so many good players, especially in my position. It taught me that I need to be prepared at all times because you really never know when your opportunity is going to come, so you have to be ready to take it.'

How did you adapt to playing in front of large crowds on a weekly basis while on loan?

'Playing in front of huge crowds gives you a feeling not many other things can. It is exhilarating. I am a player that really feeds off the energy and I like to engage with the crowd a lot. It is quite surreal to know that all those fans are turning up to watch you play and so I try not to take it for granted and just soak it in.

'Paderborn were also very big on fan engagement and so it was nice to see and speak to fans at the training ground and also after the games.'

What was the biggest difference for you between the German professional game and playing in England?

'I think the biggest difference for me was more the step into professional football itself rather than it being in Germany, but I have to say that the football culture in Germany is elite, the fans will turn up no matter how bad their team is doing. There is non-stop chanting and drumming.

'Away games were always quite hostile and a lot of the stadiums were always filled so that was just a huge difference to most of my games playing for the Chelsea Under-21s which did not usually have too many fans there. I loved it and the Paderborn fans were always great, they welcomed me and made me feel at home there

Was the language a barrier for you in any way?

'Yes for sure, there was a language barrier at times but the staff and players were always helpful. They would always go out of their way to make sure I understood everything and make sure everything was clear to me.

'I also tried on my end to put in the time to pick up as much German as possible and I really enjoyed that. The language is quite challenging to say the least but it was a challenge I embraced.'

How did your season with the development squad prepare you for this loan?

'Working with Mark Robinson, James Simmonds and Jack Mesure at the beginning of the season was huge for me in terms of my preparation for my eventual loan. Their main ethos  was built around building intrinsic motivation and resilience within the whole group.

'They cared about us as people first and then as players, so it felt somewhat like a family and made us better on the pitch because we were always willing to put in the work for each other. Our results were not perfect but we came a long way from the beginning of the season and I value that time massively.'

In your experience playing in Germany, what do you consider to be the most significant aspect of your development, whether on the pitch or as an individual?

'I learned that it is good to get out of your comfort zone. Going to Germany was definitely that for me, and I have taken so much from it. Adapting to a new culture, new surroundings, different language can be hard but it is definitely worth it and I feel like I just learned so much from the whole experience. The gaffer [Mark Robinson] always said to us that growth only comes from being outside of your comfort zone and I agree 100 per cent.

'Also the value of having good people around you is something I have truly learned from as having my girlfriend with me in Germany every step of the way, as well as my friends and family who all came out to support me definitely had a positive effect on my performance.'

You scored at a major international youth tournament. How was that feeling?

'That feeling was unbelievable! I had thought about what celebration I wanted to do before the tournament [the Under-20 World Cup] started but when I scored I completely forgot and just went mad.'

Having performed well in the tournament, how did it feel to be selected and play a significant role for your country? Conversely, what were the emotions surrounding the elimination from the competition after facing a good Italy side?

'Being a part of any England team is such a blessing. The togetherness in our team was unreal. Every goal we scored at that tournament, the whole bench got up and celebrated like it was them that scored.

'Having the privilege of saying that I have represented my country at a World Cup is something not many people can say and so for that I am hugely grateful.'

'It was not meant to be our day against Italy but I am still proud of the team regardless.'

How good is Cesare Casadei?

Cesare is a top player, simple as. Obviously playing with him at Chelsea in the first half of the season I knew that already with him being one of our key players. He has been on fire at the World Cup and I wish him all the best going forward!

Have you had time to reflect on the busy season you have had?

'I think that time has started now for me and when I look back on the season, I feel mostly pride and gratitude. I feel pride in the fact that I proved a lot to myself and showed up for myself in moments that were tough, but above all, I am grateful in the opportunities I received this season.

'Firstly from Graham Potter and his staff who gave me my debut at Chelsea. It was a tough time for the team and a risk to put in a young centre-back but they still took that risk and trusted me.

'Then to Benjamin Weber and Lukas Kwasniok for all the faith that they put in me at Paderborn. From the minute I got to Paderborn they made it clear that they valued me and they wanted to help me develop and progress as a player. The coach was always direct with me on areas I needed to improve and how to better my strengths. I would definitely recommend that same step to younger players as getting out of your comfort zone might be your way to the professional game.'