

We are not sure if many of you remember back in the early 2000's when Real Madrid was winning many trophies during Florentino Perez's first run as president. Back then there was a player who was key to Los Blancos' success, one of those silent workers who's work is crucial to the team's perfect dynamic. That man was Claude Makelele, the French defensive midfielder helped Real win the Champions League in 2002, La Liga in 2003 and then moved to Chelsea.
This switch came at the same time Real Madrid started one of their most famous Champions League droughts in recent history. To many people this happened because Florentino let Makelele leave the club, now that so much time has passed, there is a new player who fills the same profile and he plays at Chelsea as well. That man is the also French N'Golo Kante, Makelele knows this young player can be his successor.
Talking to the press, Claude said: "It is a position where it is difficult to play. You must be a leader. You must work with your team-mates in midfield. I like N'Golo Kante, but is he better than me at this? I do not know. He still needs time to fully learn the job, to learn about football. He is a young player I really like, and I hope he will be better than I was."
Photo credit: Chelsea FC