Club World Cup: Has run to final been worth it for Chelsea?

With pre-season now set to be cut significantly, Maresca has used the competition to experiment with a new system.

Against Flamengo he switched to a formation utilising more traditional full-backs and with Cole Palmer playing as an inverted winger, just as he did under previous boss Mauricio Pochettino.

That ended in a disappointing 3-1 defeat and attracted criticism, although they did bounce back with a 4-1 extra-time last-16 success over Benfica using a similar system.

Maresca has also used more of his squad than any other club at the tournament in 27, with every outfield player taken to the US getting some time on the pitch.

New signings Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr have made their debuts – along with Andrey Santos and Aaron Anselmino, who were already at the club – and some of them have spoken about how the nature of the long overseas trip has helped them assimilate with their new team-mates.

Delap said “100%” when asked about this, adding: “Settling into any new place, it is always helpful spending 24/7 with everyone.

“It has really helped me get to know everyone.”

Forwards Delap and Joao Pedro have both hit the ground running too after their arrivals from Ipswich Town and Brighton.

But the transfer window has been a double-edged sword with Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Trevoh Chalobah among the players being linked with moves.

Madueke, who has agreed personal terms with Arsenal while Chelsea hold out for a £50m fee, continues to be involved from the bench.