On Friday night in northern Italy, the Brazilian lined up alongside Kalidou Koulibaly for the first time. Our new signing was stationed to Thiago Silva’s left, with Cesar Azpilicueta completing the back three.

It was one that immediately looked comfortable as a unit. Thiago and Azpi were their usual selves, and Koulibaly impressed in possession and with one vital interception that abruptly stopped an Udinese break in its tracks. Thiago liked what he saw.

‘It was good,’ said the 37-year-old.

‘He is a player with a lot of experience. He played in Italian football, which for me is the best defensive schooling you can possibly receive. He is ready for our ideas. He played 70 minutes, and on Saturday he will be ready to play 90.

‘Normally we speak in French, because Edou does too, and Azpi, it worked well,’ added Thiago.

‘The communication is not a problem, we can speak many different languages together.’

Thiago was pleased with how the Friday night win panned out, even if he was disappointed to have conceded a soft goal on the stroke of half-time, and he is now focusing on a big few days before the trip to Goodison Park.

‘We have to do things well now during the week before the start of the Premier League. I think we are not at 100 per cent quite yet, but we must work hard and well this week to arrive ready for Saturday.’

And finally, what is Thiago targeting this season? His answer was emphatic.

‘To win the Premier League,’ he replied.

‘It’s a very difficult league to play in, but I think it’s possible.’

With someone of that experience, who are we to argue?