Antonio Conte's intent on retaining Chelsea's Premier League title may not have got off to the perfect start, but his summer spending suggests a significant improvement should be expected.
A 3-2 home loss to Burnley was a shock start to the season for the Blues, only to be resolved with an away win at bitter London rivals Tottenham last Sunday.
That currently leaves them 12th in the table and six points off league leaders Manchester United ahead of their early Sunday afternoon fixture against Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Conte will not be worrying whatsoever about how far off the pace Chelsea are in his second season in charge just yet but are set to face a Toffees side that have spent big this summer, also.
In total, Everton have spent over £138 million on signings this summer - but their most valuable transfer being Wayne Rooney's return to Goodison Park after 13 years away from Merseyside.
Despite having invested heavily, Everton fans have given the biggest welcome to their free transfer from Manchester United with open arms.
Rooney is now mixing with the Toffees next generation of young stars, including Mason Holgate, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies, while Chelsea have shipped 38 of their youngsters out on loan.
It shows a contrast in cultures between the two clubs, with Dominic Solanke, Nathan Ake, Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Nathaniel Chalobah just some of the youngsters to have been shipped out on loan or on permanent deals this summer.
But Conte has vowed to give Chelsea's kids a chance in the Premier League on one condition.
Conte outlines his requirements of young players
“Yes, for sure [I would give young players a chance],” said Conte, per the Mirror.
“Rooney showed his potential when he was 17 years old and not only did he keep his level, but he improved it.
“We’re talking about an icon of football, in general.
“But it’s not easy to have many Rooneys. It’s rare.
“If the young players are ready and are strong enough to play regularly, they can play."
Many would have suggested both Loftus-Cheek and Chalobah - who left on loan to Crystal Palace and sold to Watford respectively - were worthy of their opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
But, again, Chelsea have yet to break the mould and prove they're willing to take the chance and put their trust in youth.
Italian highlights his proven trust in youth
And while most will expect the Italian to forget about the wealth of youth talent available to him at Chelsea, like so many previous managers have during the Roman Abramovich era so far, Conte highlighted he's already shown his faith in youth during his managerial career.
"I put Paul Pogba, at 18, into the team at Juventus, for Marchisio," Conte added.
“Don’t forget, too, for my first game in Serie A, I was only 16.
“So, I’m the first person open to do this because another coach did this with me.
“But, I repeat, you must have the possibilities to do this.
“Show me young players who deserve to play regularly for Chelsea, and I’m ready to pick them.”