Fikayo Tomori has spoken about the positive influence of legend Paolo Maldini on his game as he thrives at AC Milan.
The 23-year-old defender's form for the Serie A club has led to a recall to the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary this week.
It came after Tomori fell out of favour under Frank Lampard at Chelsea last season and went to the San Siro club initially on loan before a £25million move was completed in the summer.
Since then, his strong defensive performances have helped Milan return to the Champions League and make a positive start to this season as they sit second in the table.
And Tomori has credited Maldini, who is now Milan's technical director, for helping him settle in.
Tomori said: 'When he was speaking to me, I was like "woah, it's Paolo Maldini".
'There is that kind of pressure knowing he is watching every game and he is at the training ground every day and as a defender you want to impress him.
'When I was midway through my loan, in April, we had a chat and he was speaking about what he thinks about my game and what I need to improve. Not just me but other defenders and other players in general.
'He is really engaged and when it's a legend like that, when he says something you're going to listen. It's a nice thing to have him around and he's been a really big help.'
Asked for specifics on where Maldini - who won seven league titles and five Champion League winners medals in 902 games for Milan - had aided his game, Tomori added: 'He was talking about having my body position right and maybe having an extra look, whether it's from a cross or maybe when they're building up.
'The strikers in Italy are nimble, they're intelligent and they go off movements rather than maybe trying to beat you for pace or strength or get round the back of you.
'Opening your body and maybe checking one or two more times to know where he is at all times. It is easier said than done but I'm learning.'
The defender is under no illusions about the pressure at Milan, the seven-time European champions, to return to success as soon as possible after a fallow decade.
He said: 'Everyone in football knows AC Milan and how big a club they are. There is a pressure to win and a pressure to perform with so many fans in the stadium and around Milan.
'You'd definitely feel the weight and the history of the club. That weight and that pressure brings out the best in me and the best in the team.
'That kind of pressure and the need to win, it is definitely a driving force.
'Milan for the past few years, it's been a bit of a funny time but us back in the CL and fighting at the top of table in Serie A is a really good time and I'm really enjoying it.'