There were a number of standout performances on Wednesday night but Reece James was selected by UEFA as man of the match from Chelsea's crucial Group E Champions League win against AC Milan. Three points which puts their destiny back in their hands before another clash against Milan at San Siro next week.
It was a non-negotiable; Chelsea and Graham Potter had to find a way past Stefano Pioli's side if there was to be any chance that the West Londoners could top the table come the end of the group stage of the competition.
And that's exactly what they did in a comfortable, controlled and dominant fashion. Goals from Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the player in question here have boosted squad confidence ahead of take two in the Italian capital.
READ MORE: Four things learned as Chelsea outclass Milan & Graham Potter unlocks Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
It wasn't just the goals and the size of the scoreline that was impressive in the end. The 22-year-old kept on exploiting the space left on the right-hand side by the absent Rafael Leao, whose defensive acumen was put under scrutiny.
James is England's current first choice right-back heading into Qatar following his rich vein of form. After the game, Potter waxed lyrical on the high ceiling the defender possesses and the role he personally hopes to play in harnessing James' potential and quality going forward into the long-term future.
"Reece is just a fantastic player," the Chelsea head coach said in his post-match press conference. "And he's a young player, so he's developing all the time. He'll get better and better. I've really enjoyed working with him. He's got a lot to offer. He's fantastic. He could play any game in the world, he's tremendous. My job is to help him reach his potential because his potential is beyond the sky.
"He's so important for us. My job is to help him reach his potential – and his potential is he can be a Chelsea legend alongside anybody. That is the level he has, the potential that he has. For that to happen, he has to be part of a successful team. That's what we're working towards."
With Chelsea now expected to kick on in their group and qualify alongside English rivals like Liverpool, Man City and Tottenham, all of whom sit in a strong position current in their respective groups, the right-back reminded each of the trio that his side were here to play in this year's competition. He made this clear with his short, sharp and snappy response to Aubameyang's Instagram post.
He commented: 'My G [followed by a flames emoji]. We just gettin started.'
Chelsea fans: What is this side's ceiling in this year's Champions League? Leave your predictions in the comments section below!
READ NEXT:
Chelsea player ratings vs AC Milan as Reece James shows class, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang clinical
Every word Graham Potter said on Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Chelsea's AC Milan win
Chelsea star Wesley Fofana leaves Stamford Bridge on crutches after injury against AC Milan
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
Wesley Fofana, N'Golo Kante: Chelsea injury news and expected return dates ahead of Wolves
