In the summer of 2002 it finally looked as though Tony Sylva’s career was about to take off. The goalkeeper had made just 18 Ligue 1 appearances during his seven years at Monaco when he was selected as Senegal’s No. 1 for the World Cup. Sylva’s shutout in the tournament’s opening game against the holders France paved the way for an extraordinary campaign in which the African side reached the last eight - and Sylva earned the reputation as a classy custodian.

Premier League bosses were soon on the phone to Monaco, but the club were reluctant to sell, while Sylva - full of confidence after his Asian adventure - insisted he would stay and fight for his place. However, Flavio Roma’s form improved and Sylva spent most of the next two years slouched in his all-too-familiar seat on the bench.

This season, for the first time in his professional career, Sylva is finally No. 1. It is not at the Stade Louis II, however, but in the North of France where he has established himself. “Tony’s performances have been a source of confidence for the whole team,” Lille boss Claude Puel said before Christmas.

One of the most athletic goalkeepers in France, his giant frame has saved Lille on a number of occasions and if they do go on to challenge Lyon for the Ligue 1 title, the presence of the Senegalese will be one of the main reasons. For Sylva, however, playing on a regular basis is ample reward for the time being.