World Cup winner names Chelsea ace who impressed him with "great game" against Leicester
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Frank Leboeuf was left impressed by the performance of Benoit Badiashile in Saturday's victory against Leicester City.
The Blues ran out 2-1 winners on Enzo Maresca's return to the King Power Stadium thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez.
The win kept Chelsea third in the table but they closed the gap on second placed Manchester City to just a point after their defeat to Tottenham.
Leboeuf impressed by Badiashile in Leicester win
With Malo Gusto missing out through illness Badiashile was named in the starting line-up for the first time in the Premier League as he partnered Levi Colwill with Wesley Fofana moving to right back.
The Frenchman's only other appearance in the league was as a second half substitute in last month's defeat to Liverpool.
Badiashile has had to be patient with the majority of his minutes coming in the cup competitions, and with the January window approaching he's been linked with a move away.
Chelsea put out a briefing earlier this month stating Badiashile wasn't for sale and was very much part of their future plans, but that remains to be seen.
The 23-year-old put in an impressive performance alongside Colwill and it was a timely reminder of the quality he does possess.
Leboeuf, who is no stranger to playing centre back for the Blues was left impressed by Badiashile's performance.
"Everybody was spot on" he told ESPN.
"Badiashile had a great game as well. I think that was something to mention with Colwill at the back."
Badiashile will likely start again on Thursday night against Heidenheim in the Conference League and it will be a chance for him to put in another impressive performance and let Maresca know he's knocking on the door.
It remains to be seen what Chelsea would do if they received an offer in January, but it appears Badiashile has moved ahead of Tosin Adarabioyo and is now third choice centre back.
