Chukwuemeka operated in a sophisticated midfield place towards Liverpool, a task he may take pleasure in extra prominently with summer season signing Christopher Nkunku sidelined with a long-term damage. He was a daily fixture throughout pre-season, as Pochettino outlined how the 19-year-old may assist the Blues within the coming yr.

“He’s a player that can play in-between No 10 and No 8,” Pochettino instructed NBC Sports. “He’s a very talented player, very good quality. In our dynamic, he can use different spaces on the pitch.”

However, additional feedback suggesting that Pochettino is nearer to a pal somewhat than a coach to him may land Chukwuemeka in scorching water, one thing he could steer away from sooner or later.