The Italian was involved for the opening 70 minutes of our 2-1 win over Barcelona in Japan earlier in the week and it was his turnover of possession deep in the Spaniards’ half that led to Tammy Abraham opening the scoring. The sight of the midfielder pressing the ball so keenly, so high up the pitch offered a glimpse into how our midfield may differ slightly in shape and substance under Lampard this season.

Jorginho acknowledges that his game in particular may have to adjust, especially if the Blues continue with the 4-2-3-1 system that has been used most often in pre-season. The 27-year old claimed an assist for Abraham’s goal and a more forward-thinking role this campaign could lead to plenty more.

‘My characteristics are to control the game, stay in the middle and organise the team but I can adapt as well,’ he said following our victory in Saitama. ‘It’s new for me and it will take a little bit of time but I like it and we are working well. I have more space to create and I’m more free so I can do many things with my creativity.

‘Last season we had three midfielders and now we have two so we need to run a lot but I think we can do a lot of good things like this.’