Cambiasso takes centre stage against old pal Drogba as Chelsea close in on title

WHEN Esteban Cambiasso and Didier Drogba appeared against each other at the 2006 World Cup, few could imagine they would be playing against each other at Leicester’s King Power Stadium nearly a decade later.

Didier Drogba Player Profile

The pair played as Argentina came up against Ivory Coast in Hamburg where Cambiasso helped his side to victory and Drogba scored a late consolation.

Even the official sticker album for that tournament showed youthful looking pictures with Cambiasso even displaying a full head of hair.

The duo are now in the twilight of their career but it was clear the Leicester midfielder has a little bit more in the tank.

The 34-year-old ran the show in the centre of the field, just as he has done several times in the Foxes’ recent upturn in fortunes, but this was some feat against a Chelsea side who will wrap up the title sooner rather than later.

Cambiasso set the tone from the off with a brave tackle on Willian before coming close to set up an opener for Leonardo Ulloa with a delightful pass.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho knew all about Leicester’s bald headed talisman having led the midfielder to Champions League glory in 2010 while the pair were at Inter Milan.

Esteban Cambiasso and Didier Drogba took centre stage at LeicesterACTION

Esteban Cambiasso and Didier Drogba took centre stage at Leicester

But there was not a lot he could do to stop a player so dominant and in control.

His array of passing had the champions-elect on the ropes and how Mourinho must have wished he handed Cambiasso a ten year contract while he was in Italy.

His hard but fair tackle on Eden Hazard only seconds before Leicester took the lead before the break proved to be an important moment as it stopped a threatening Chelsea attack.

It was also telling he was the only Leicester outfield player not to run towards scorer Marc Albrighton, instead choosing to run over towards boss Nigel Pearson to discuss tactics.

Nigel Pearson couldn't stop his side slipping to defeat against ChelseaACTION

Nigel Pearson couldn't stop his side slipping to defeat against Chelsea

Cambiasso’s chain of thought was one step ahead of everyone else on the park in more ways than one.

Drogba was handed a rare start by Mourinho – only his sixth in the Premier League since his return to Stamford Bridge – and looked very rusty indeed.

He was beaten to a header by Marcin Wasilewski, miscontrolled on the edge of the area, shot tamely on the turn and beaten to a tackle by Ritchie De Laet in an abject first half. He also shot tamely wide after Willian had done the hard work.

The 37-year-old looks like he had run his race insofar as top flight football is concerned but he was able to fashion some old magic at the start of the second half.

He produced a fine finish from Branislav Ivanovic’s cross and promptly celebrated widely. But we may not see too much more of that from him.

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