Chelsea scout reveals he wanted club to sign Yohan Cabaye and Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba

Roman Abramovich’s chief scout Piet de Visser has backed France midfield trio Blaise Matuidi, Yohan Cabaye and Paul Pogba to play a major part at this summer’s World Cup and has bemoaned Chelsea’s inability to sign any of them.

Former Manchester United man Pogba has developed into one of the finest midfielders in Europe despite accusations of laziness by some quarters of the press, with the French midfielder being linked with big money moves away from Juventus this summer, while Cabaye and Matuidi have long been of interest to the bigger sides in the Premier League, with the former having just left Newcastle United for Paris St Germain in January.

De Visser believes all three could have a major part to play in any glory France may taste at the World Cup and has vented his frustration that he was not able to secure their signatures as youngsters, having identified them as future stars a long time ago.

De Visser told reporters, “I am still sick that we never got the best midfielders out of France. France is producing wonderful players.

“Their midfielders are real gems. I tried so hard to recruit Yohan Cabaye, Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi. We did not succeed. I have known these players from when they were young boys.

“They could now prove to be the best midfielders in the world and guide France to the World Cup.”

Paul Pogba completed 74 take-ons for Juventus last season, beating his man with 54% of his attempts.