With Colwill spending Fofana’s first season at Stamford Bridge on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion and the Frenchman missing the whole of the 2023/24 campaign through injury, the pre-season defeat to Celtic this summer was the first time they had lined up alongside each other, and even then, the England international was used on the left.

But Fofana’s return to full fitness this season has seen him line up alongside Colwill in the heart of Chelsea’s defence for all four Premier League games so far.

And with the pair just 23 and 21 respectively, the future looks very bright for the Blues, especially with the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi pushing them for a starting birth every day in training.

Fofana said: ‘On the pitch it’s simple – I know him, he knows me and every game is a little bit better.

‘We don’t need to talk too much. I feel good with him, he feels good with me.

‘Away from the pitch we have a very good relationship. We are not just teammates, he’s a friend, my guy.’

So it’s fair to say the pair are on the same page? They can read each other’s mind?

‘Exactly, yes,’ came Fofana’s response.

Fofana also spoke positively about his new head coach, Enzo Maresca.

The Italian was known for his tactical prowess and distinct style of play during his time at Leicester City, where he guided the Foxes to the Championship title at the first time of asking.

Fofana said: ‘We have a lot of meetings and watch a lot of videos to see the plan.

‘We started in pre-season. First training session of the season he told the team what he wants and it is good. The style is good for the players we have. It’s offensive football. It’s very good.’

He continued: ‘When you want to win titles and want to win every weekend, you focus on the little details. This is the difference between a good team and a big team. He explains every day in training that the little details are very important.’

Fofana was speaking earlier this week as the Blues prepared for Saturday’s London derby with West Ham United at the London Stadium.

The France international made his Blues bow against West Ham back in September 2022 so knows all about the passionate affairs.

He said: ‘It’s a London derby, we want to win for sure. We want to win every game but this is a little more important and we’re ready.’

Supporters with tickets for the upper tier of the visitors’ section at West Ham are reminded they should download their digital tickets prior to arriving at the London Stadium.