Midfield monster’s performance against Brazil might make Chelsea think they were a little hasty on transfer

N’Golo Kante looks set to play a key role for France at the World Cup, years after Chelsea wrote him off as past it.

It’s the middle Monday of the international break, the low point for content in the footballing calendar.

With Chelsea players scattered all over the globe, some people ended up watching World Cup favourites France in their prestige friendly against Brazil. One player who stood out in that game was N’Golo Kante. The former Blue is still doing it at the highest level, years after we sent him packing.

Chelsea may regret haste in which Kante was sent packing

We didn’t object too much to Kante’s departure at the time – he was on huge money and it seemed like so many years of playing were catching up with him physically. But when you look back at the total removal of all experience from the dressing room in that period, there’s certainly an argument that Kante should have been kept if a reasonable wage could have been agreed.

Certainly on the evidence of his France form, he’s still very much able to compete at the top level.

Cesc Fabregas is a rising star in the world of management, and his Chelsea links mean we continue to feel like we’re in the picture.

Cole Palmer’s form is becoming a serious issue for Chelsea now – it’s more than a year since he really looked at his best.