The article first appeared on ESPN FC on January 5, 2017.
Only the most fervent followers of French football would have turned their head to gaze had Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko passed them in the street six months ago.
But the 22-year-old has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, and with good reason. After two torrid years in the principality, the summer departure of Jeremy Toulalan and a change in his own attitude, Bakayoko has played a starring role in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League this term.
And if either club gets their hands on the athletic defensive midfielder this summer, they owe a big merci to Claude Makelele.