Moises Caicedo has acknowledged that it took time for him to adjust to being signed by Chelsea for a British transfer record.
Having played a key role in the progression of Brighton last season, Caicedo attracted admirers in Chelsea and Liverpool during the summer window.
Chelsea's long-term interest proved pivotal as the Ecuador international shunned the advances of Liverpool, yet the Blues were forced to pay £115m for his signature.
Although Caicedo has received harsher scrutiny than he probably deserves, the 22-year-old is yet to consistently show that Chelsea will get value for money from that particular piece of business.
Caicedo has been one of Chelsea's most regular performers, making a total of 30 starts and four substitute outings in all competitions.
© Chelsea FC
Nevertheless, he has admitted that he is still going through a period of adjustment at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea still yet to fulfil their potential under Mauricio Pochettino.
Speaking to the club's media team, Caicedo said: "At the beginning, I felt the pressure. In my mind, I wanted to show my best football and why the club paid the money for me.
"After that, I started to speak with people who helped me understand that if Chelsea signed me it's because I am worth it. I have kept on playing and I know I have to show my best on the pitch.
"Of course, I haven't played every game well and it was tough at the beginning, but now I feel good and feel I am helping the team. I am only thinking about the game and not what people are saying about me.
© Reuters
"Personally, now I am feeling good. I can see my gains and I am playing better and helping the team. That is important for me because when I don't play well, I get frustrated. It's my first season at Chelsea so it's normal that it took some time and I am learning in every game."
Caicedo has started 21 of Chelsea's 26 Premier League fixtures, although he missed the first fixture against Liverpool and was still settling into life at the club when he made his debut as a substitute against West Ham United the following week.
He penned a contract until the end of 2030-31 when agreeing to make the switch to West London and the former Independiente del Valle youngster is expected to remain at the club in the long term.
Chelsea have also invested in another player from Ecuador in Kendry Paez, who is already a regular alongside Caicedo for their national team, and Caicedo will be expected to help him settle once he makes the switch in 2025.
Darren Plant
