Only the most fervent followers of French football would have turned their head to gape had Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko passed them in the street six months ago.
But the 22-year-old is now linked to Chelsea this week and last month to 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 January, they owe a big merci to Claude Makelele.