A Chelsea Academy graduate, Chalobah returned from a loan at Crystal Palace in 2024/25 to play a significant role in our hugely successful end to the season – we secured UEFA Champions League qualification by finishing fourth in the Premier League before winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.

The 26-year-old centre-back has begun the current campaign well too, starting all three of the Blues’ matches so far and helping us keep two clean sheets, the most recent of which came in Saturday’s 2-0 west London derby win over Fulham.

Speaking after that victory, our head coach was quick to praise his contribution throughout 2025.

‘Since he came back in January, he’s doing very well,’ Maresca replied when asked about Chalobah’s form.

‘The reason why we achieved what we achieved last season is also because of Trev. In the final against PSG in the Club World Cup, he was top and he is doing very well and we are happy with him.’

The defender was also asked about his prominent role during the Blues' good start to the season, which saw us rise to second place in the early Premier League table ahead into the first international break of 2025/26.

‘I think that’s the most important thing for any player, just to get that rhythm going and get the consistency,’ reflected Chalobah. ‘For me, it’s just about the team and how I can help the team.

‘That’s important going forward in every game. If we have the mentality to keep clean sheets then that will win you games and if we keep doing that and striving for that we can go far.’

Chalobah also explained how his role in the squad has changed. Now aged 26, he is no longer the player fresh out of the Academy who was first involved in the senior squad under Antonio Conte back in 2018.

Instead, he finds himself one of the more experienced members of an exciting Blues squad, and he is trying to do his part alongside others to provide leadership and share the benefits of that experience.

‘Obviously, being one of the experienced players now – I’m not a young boy anymore – I’m just helping the younger players and the new players that have come in.

‘I’m just stamping my authority and showing a bit more personality and captaincy. It’s not just about me wearing the armband to go out there and lead the boys.

‘The likes of Tosin [Adarabioyo], Reece [James], Robert [Sanchez], Cucu [Marc Cucurella], players like that, we need to help the younger boys and it’s going to be important for every single one to get that leadership and help us going forward.’