It means now so far this season eight Academy graduates have made their men's first team bow: Mason Mount, Billy Gilmour, Ian Maatsen, Tino Anjorin, Reece James, Marc Guehi, Tariq Lamptey, and now Broja. That is the most ever since Billy Birrell launched his Chelsea Juniors scheme in the 1940s, surpassing the seven handed out by Ken Shellito and Danny Blanchflower in the 1978/79 season. (Ted Drake also blooded six in 1956/57.)

It should come as no surprise, really. Between them, the homegrown Blues have already proved they are among the elite of their age group, serial winners of the UEFA Youth League, FA Youth Cup, and other titles. They are now starting to show the same at senior level.