It would have been easy for Chelsea's senior players to switch off in Kazakhstan on Thursday.
Pedro Neto should have been nowhere near the plane to travel to Almaty but a fifth yellow card of the season against Tottenham means that he is suspended for this weekend's clash with Brentford. The circumstances changed and Neto started against Astana on Thursday.
It would have been easy for Neto to not look that bothered. Freezing cold conditions, a rock solid pitch that at times disrupted Chelsea's possession-based style of football, and playing alongside teammates he perhaps does not even know that well.
However, Neto shone for Chelsea with the Portugal international setting up both of the Blues' opening two goals - both for Marc Guiu. The first one was a pass down the line and the majority of what was good about the goal came from Guiu rather than Neto.
The second one, though, was on a plate for the Spaniard; he didn't know too much about what had happened after the ball fumbled off his body and went into the back of the net. At half-time, Neto's job was done.
Enzo Maresca must have said to him pre-match: 'Go and win the game in 45 minutes and you can have a rest in the second-half'. He did that and was allowed a much-needed breather in the second period.
As mentioned, Neto - in an ideal world - would have been left at home alongside the likes of Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke and more but the situation changed at the weekend. Either way, Neto showed his ultimate professionalism and quality in Kazakhstan - and in truth, looked a class above anyone else on the pitch.
That, and more talking points from the win in Almaty, below...
Acheampong stance now makes sense
There has been plenty of talk in recent months about Josh Acheampong and his future at Stamford Bridge. The 18-year-old sees his contract at Chelsea expire in the summer of 2026 but the Blues have been trying to get his long-term future tied down in recent times.
While negotiations were underway, Acheampong was frozen out by the club but in recent weeks, he has returned to play for the Under-21s and featured for the senior side on Thursday. football.london understands the club have held positive talks with the teenager and his entourage and Maresca confirmed on Wednesday that an agreement was "close".
Thank God, from a Chelsea perspective. Irrespective of the opposition, Acheampong was outstanding on Thursday. So assured at the back for such a young age. His athleticism for an 18-year-old is genuinely unbelievable.
Acheampong's composure and ability on the ball is tremendous. At one point against Astana, he took on a couple of defenders and shot at goal, although it was blocked. Such confidence, and there is no wonder Chelsea are so desperate to keep hold of such a talent.
Chukwuemeka tries too hard
Carney Chukwuemeka made his first start for Chelsea since August 2023 on Thursday evening. The 21-year-old midfielder has been out of the squad for the most part this term but was given a chance to impress in Kazakhstan.
While the former Aston Villa youngster showed glimpses of what he could do in the sub-freezing conditions, for the most part, it was quite a frustrating display. By the end of the match, before he was taken off for Harvey Vale, it almost looked as if Chukwuemeka was trying too hard to prove himself.
Numerous shots on target from Chukwuemeka but no way through the Astana defence. Shamrock Rovers at home next week presents potentially another opportunity for the midfielder to showcase his talent but it does feel like a big chance wasted in Almaty.