Carpenter joined Chelsea this summer from Lyon and, with Bronze sidelined due to injury, has started our opening three Women's Super League matches. The Australian made an immediate impression, assisting Aggie Beever-Jones’ goal during our 2-1 win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old has further showcased her quality, completing 84.8 per cent of her passes thus far. Defensively, she has weighed in with a total of six clearances, three interceptions, and has won 100 per cent of all aerial duels.

And after the Blues' 1-0 win over Leicester City at Kingsmeadow, Bompastor praised Carpenter’s qualities, some of which are beyond what can be measured with statistics.

‘She’s a great character and I think she brings happiness to everyone,’ said the boss. ‘She's always smiling and she has a lot of positive energy, not only on the pitch, but also she's full of energy outside the pitch. She’s settled in well with the team in London.

‘She's really happy right now and shares that happiness, so that's also something important for me.’

So far, so good for Carpenter. Yet waiting in the wings is another elite full-back in the shape of Bronze, who finished ninth in the voting for this year's Ballon d'Or.

The 33-year-old is currently recovering from an injury she played through at this summer's Women’s European Championship. Yet when Bronze returns to full fitness, Bompastor is confident that the England defender and Carpenter can feature in the same side.

‘I think they can play together,’ explained the Blues head coach. ‘It's an option. I think all the best players will play.

'I will have to pick a starting XI, but in my mind, I always think about what is the best team or the best starting 11 going into every game.

‘And if both Ellie and Lucy are performing at the same time, at a high level, they will both play. I think both of them can play in those two positions, the right full-back or the right wing-back. We can expect to see them both on the pitch at the same time.’