Cesc Fabregas has been proven right about N'Golo Kante.
The former Chelsea star was gushing in his praise for his old Stamford Bridge teammate after the first leg of the Blues' Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid, claiming the midfielder should never be doubted.
It led to Fabregas predicting that Kante would be man of the match in Wednesday's second leg between the two sides - and he was spot on.
After watching the first leg, Fabregas hailed Kante as being worth two players due to the Frenchman's all-action and energetic performances, particularly in important games such as the Champions League semi-final.
"N'Golo has always been a big game player," he tweeted. "Never doubt him. He plays for two."
Fabregas subsequently doubled down on his praise of Kante ahead of Wednesday's second leg between the two sides.
The Spaniard predicted his former teammate would put in a man of the match, arguing his energy in midfield would go a long way to deciding the tie.
"My man of the match prediction is N'Golo Kante," he tweeted. "He played very well in the first leg and is a world class player.
"His energy in midfield will be key to winning the game for Chelsea."
Kante's performance in the second leg proved Fabregas to be spot on, with the 30-year-old putting in a man-of-the-match display.
The World Cup winner played a key part in both goals, going on a surging run in the build-up to Timo Werner's opener before then playing in Christian Pulisic to set up Mason Mount for the second.
Kante's performance came shortly after praise from Blues boss Thomas Tuchel, who revealed he had always wanted to manage the midfielder.
"The guy is a top guy," he said. "He is the guy you need to win trophies and that's why we're so happy he's here and he's at our club.
"I was dreaming about this player and fighting for this player, dreaming about this player in any club I was coaching so now he's my player.
"He's won every trophy except for the Champions League, hopefully he will do everything that we get this trophy and, for me, he's an unbelievable input for any team in the world.
"We are so happy he plays for us - he is key."
