With most of the senior squad still away following the World Cup, 10 of those who appeared on the pitch at Adams Park had played a part in the Academy’s successful season last year when they won the Under-21 League and the FA Youth Cup. In addition there were plenty of young players who had spent last season on loan, including a first appearance in a Chelsea shirt for defender Kurt Zouma, signed last January but loaned back to St-Etienne.

The goals against Wycombe were shared between the senior and more junior players with John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic strikes sandwiched by goals from Patrick Bamford and two from Izzy Brown.

‘Everybody has at least 45 minutes under their belts which is good and to score five goals and not concede in any game is also a positive,’ said Holland, who emphasised that the young players would not be involved if there wasn’t a chance for them to progress at Chelsea.

‘It is a very high level they are trying to reach,’ he said.

‘There will be bigger tests than this but we said to them before the game that you don’t get many opportunities at any big club, and when you do get the opportunity to show what you can do under the eye of the manager and playing in the same side as other seasoned internationals you have to take it and make the most of every minute.

‘It was a very positive night for all the young players and they can all be pleased with their contribution. One or two particularly will have done themselves no harm.’