Chelsea FC’s 50 Greatest Players Of All-Time
10. Claude Makelele: 2003-08
The arrival of Claude Makelele in the summer of 2003 was a significant coup for a Chelsea team that had just been purchased by Roman Abramovich. The fact that many Real Madrid fans still regret his departure from the Santiago Bernabeu is testament to the quality he carried.
The Frenchman played a midfield role so unique yet so vital that it was named after him. Several supposedly world-class footballers have tried to fill the position throughout the game but none have been a patch on Makelele.
Sitting in a deep position, he would protect the back four like a mother with her baby, redefining what it meant to be a defensive midfielder. While it previously was a role that was best left for a player who didn’t quite suit any of the other positions, Makelele’s career turned it into a slot for a highly-prized specialist.
He made 217 competitive appearances for the Blues, turning out at least 35 times in each of his five campaigns. While a dismal goal tally of two would usually point to a negative-minded player, in Makelele’s case it more underlined his immense discipline and commitment to his job.
He was justly rewarded, too, with one FA Cup, two League Cups and two Premier League titles as the modern Chelsea was built on top of him.
The fact that Real Madrid did not win a trophy for four years after his acrimonious departure is testament to the magnitude of the role he performed. Furthermore, the fact that Chelsea are yet to replace the Frenchman only emphasises this. He may truly never be unseated from the defensive midfield throne.
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