I didn’t know I was going to play 90 minutes against Western Sydney Wanderers. I’m certainly feeling it today – I’m knackered! – but it was an incredible experience.

I’ll admit, though, that I didn’t quite take in the stadium or the crowd on the night. I was locked in on my performance and making sure I did my best to help the team because, even in pre-season, we want to win.

My feeling after the game was that I played well. Of course, at this stage of pre-season, you start to feel tired as the game progresses, but the substitutes that came on – unbelievable players – made it easier for me to ride through to the end.

Tour has been top so far. I'm only 16 years old, so I've not been to any of the countries we are visiting before. Being here in Australia is a great experience – and being here with Chelsea makes it even more special.

I've spoken to a lot of the boys in the squad, especially the English players like Tosin, Cole and Liam Delap. They've been really helpful and given me advice. And, of course, the manager has been brilliant.

I've watched Xabi Alonso clips on YouTube growing up; now I'm getting passes from him in training. He is still an unbelievable player and he understands my position so well. I have already learned a lot from him and it will make me a better player.

I think a lot of people know this, but I grew up around football. My dad, Ben, was a professional – he scored that famous FA Cup final goal for Wigan against Manchester City – and he has been a huge influence on me.

We would be kicking the ball around in the garden all the time when I was growing up. It was always fun, never too serious. Except when it was two-touch...then it was competitive! I think I've only now just got the edge on him, to be honest.

He watches every game I play and is always trying to help, but he never pushes me too hard so that it's uncomfortable. I've always appreciated that.

My whole family, though, are so supportive. I understand the professionalism and standards you have to set for yourself every day because of them. They've put that into me.

One thing that has surprised me a little is the support here in Sydney. We had an open training session on Monday and there were so many fans in the stadium. They were all going crazy! It was mad.

It shows just how much Chelsea means to people around the world, though – and that we're representing them out on the pitch.

Hopefully, I'll get more chances to do so again during the tour.