The Blues bolstered our ranks over the summer, and several of those arriving at Stamford Bridge having already tasted Champions League football with their previous club. They include Jamie Gittens at Borussia Dortmund and Alejandro Garnacho with Manchester United.

Jorrel Hato, meanwhile, belied his age to captain Ajax on occasion and feature regularly for them in European competition, while Joao Pedro announced his arrival at Chelsea with goals in the Club World Cup semi-final and final.

For Maresca, that know-how at the highest level will help his side continue to acclimatise to the rigours of the Champions League. Benfica come next.

‘We have Garnacho and Gittens that, even though they are young, have already played in this competition,’ noted Maresca.

‘Joao Pedro has never played in this competition, but when he joined us he helped us win the Club World Cup, and Hato will be a top player for Chelsea.

‘They are all talented players who are going to help the club and the team, and with more games they are going to be better and better.’

Following his summer arrival from Palmeiras in his native Brazil, another new arrival, Estevao Willian, is sampling not only the Champions League for the first time but also English football.

The exciting winger has already made seven appearances for the Blues – three off the bench – and Maresca rated his start to life in SW6.

‘He is doing very well. We have already said it’s not easy to come to Europe at 18 years old at a big club like Chelsea and show immediately the quality he has. We are very happy with him.

‘He’s a very good boy, he’s happy, and he’s what we need in terms of energy.’