The Chelsea Academy graduate was part of the senior squad last season, but has come into his own under Alonso’s guidance, playing every minute of competitive action for our Spanish manager so far.

After helping us to make a winning start to the Premier League campaign against Fulham last weekend and book our place in the Carabao Cup third round with a clean-sheet win over Luton Town in midweek, Alonso explained why he has been impressed by the 20-year-old.

‘With Josh, in pre-season we saw that he has been getting better and better,’ said the Chelsea manager, ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion.

‘For me, when he plays with confidence and aggressiveness, he has a lot of attributes for a modern defender because he can play in different positions, he’s good with the ball, and he understands his role.

‘I’ve seen a progression in these few weeks we have been together and he has played very solid games against Fulham and Luton. We are happy that he is feeling this way and we need to help him.

‘There will be different moments in the season for sure, because we want to have healthy competition in all positions. But Josh is doing well and we’re happy for him, and he is happy as well.’