Trevoh Chalobah, once on the brink of a Stamford Bridge exit, has become an integral part of Enzo Maresca's Chelsea squad since January. Last August, Chalobah was shipped out on a season-long loan to Crystal Palace after being informed he didn't fit into the Blues' plans. However, due to an injury crisis in the centre-back position, Maresca recalled the 26-year-old on January 15.

Since his return, the Chelsea academy product hasn't looked back. Chalobah has made appearances in 37 out of the Blues' 48 matches across all competitions since his recall. This season, he has started nine out of Chelsea's 10 Premier League games, missing only one due to a suspension following his red card against Brighton in September.

Chalobah, who has been with Chelsea since Under-9 level, once believed his time at Stamford Bridge was up. He had already been banished and forced to train with the U21s before securing aloan to Palace. Now, he is one of the first names on the team sheet at Stamford Bridge.

Reflecting on a tumultuous past year, Chalobah never felt the need to prove himself to Maresca.

"In life you...