The head coach was joined by our skipper on the top table at the pre-match press conference at Cobham this afternoon, with Rosenior giving his immediate reaction to Reece’s new deal.

‘I can’t stop smiling because we’ve secured the best player in world football in his position,’ said Rosenior.

‘He’s had many opportunities to leave this magnificent club, and the good thing is he’s come through from a very young age and has belief and confidence in what we’re doing here and where we want to go.

‘We’ve had many conversations about it. For him to sign a deal and put his faith in us is a massive step.’

Rosenior laughed when asked why he thought James was the best player in the world. ‘Do I have to explain that when you’ve seen him play?’

The head coach did expand, though, on why James is such a special player and personality on and off the pitch.

Rosenior said: ‘He’s top. When you meet him or see him from afar, you admire him. He can play many different positions, technically, he can score goals, he defends, his athleticism, has tactical understanding.

‘The thing that impresses me most is his humility and him as a person. You realise why he has had the career he’s had and will continue to have the career he has as the captain of Chelsea. As long as I’m here, he will be my leader.'

Rosenior added: ‘It’s been a really good two-and-a-half months with him and I understand a lot more why he is the player he is. He is going to go on to have, hopefully, a really successful career at this club.’