Signed from Monaco in early August, Axel Disasi went straight into Mauricio Pochettino’s side for our opening fixture of the season against Liverpool. He scored on his debut – an instinctive finish from close range – and has been an almost ever-present in the starting XI since. 

Disasi leads the Chelsea squad this season in starts and minutes played in all competitions. He has enjoyed countless positive experiences throughout the campaign and learned from difficult moments.

‘I feel I have improved since the start of the season,’ Disasi reflects. 'With my English, my physicality, my mentality also. When I came here, I was curious how I would adapt to the Premier League and I think I have done well.

'It takes time but that is the process, you know? The process is good and you have to keep pushing to improve again and again. 

‘I have enjoyed it a lot. It was something that I wanted, to play in England, so I’m very happy and very proud to play here. I think that my adaptation has been good, I have played a lot of matches, and I feel more comfortable game by game with my team-mates.’

Stability is often a crucial aspect of a player’s adaptation process. Disasi has – at least on the pitch – not enjoyed that luxury. He has had a rotating cast of central defensive partners throughout the season and played at right-back for the Blues at times when needed. 

Each change to the backline has presented a new challenge for Disasi, but he has never shied away from the responsibility placed upon him.

'I’m happy every time I’m on the pitch because this is what we work for,' he explains. 'I will work to play more games and to give confidence to my team-mates and the staff as well.

'Benoit [Badiashile], I know from Monaco, Thiago Silva is an experienced player, Levi [Colwill] is a younger player and Trevoh [Chalobah] is near to my age – and all of them are different.

'I like to play with each of them – and I stay the same with each of them. Just because Benoit or Levi is younger than me, it doesn't mean I can’t learn something from them. I learn from everyone, I listen to everyone and I speak to everyone.

'When I can help them, I help. And when they can help, I will listen.'

Such humility underpins Disasi's character. He possesses a disarming charm and it's easy to understand why he has built strong relationships with several members of the Chelsea squad.

'I am always myself,' the 26-year-old says. 'I know there are a lot of people who want to be in my place, so I enjoy it. I'm a spontaneous guy and when I feel good I express my feelings. I think it’s good to bring good energy, and it’s always better to work with good vibes.

'I have created good relationships with my team-mates – with the English guys and the Spanish guys also. It is getting better and better. I’m happy.'

However, it's not just those in the dressing room that Disasi has endeared himself to. He has also struck up a bond with supporters following his crowd-surfing at Selhurst Park and celebratory roars of defiance during our draw at Manchester City.

Disasi's display at the Etihad was arguably his best for the Blues. He made 16 clearances during the 90 minutes – the most by a Chelsea player in eight seasons –  and earned comparisons to legendary former Chelsea captain John Terry.

'When I make blocks or tackles I have to express my feelings,' he explains. 'It gives energy to the team on the pitch and then when Levi did a block, he did the same thing.

'Things like this I’m very happy with because I know the guys feel what I did. It’s very important and that was a crazy game. It was a game where it was good to defend in that way.

'Sometimes I like so-called traditional defending. It depends on the way the game goes and of course, when the game goes as it did against Manchester City, I’m a defender who first of all has to do the job.'

Away from the pitch, Disasi has settled with relative ease. He has enjoyed exploring London and spending time with family while also taking the opportunity to improve his piano playing.

He says: 'I have enjoyed it a lot living here in London. I have my routine and I try to keep this when I have days off. I like to go into the centre of London but when I want to chill, I stay at home and play some new music on the piano or I watch some movies.

'My piano is going well, but I have to keep learning. So, if there is a Chelsea fan who is a piano teacher, I’m here!'