Former France, Real Madrid and Chelsea defensive midfielder, Claude Makelele says compatriot and new Chelsea signing, N’golo Kante, is the best defensive midfielder in the world.
But he hopes that Kante works harder to become better in the position he described as difficult to play in.
Makelele was widely seen as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world at the peak of his career, shielding the back-line and distributing the ball to more gifted attacking teammates with brilliance at Real Madrid and Chelsea.
The 43-year-old, who retired in 2011 after a spell with Paris Saint-Germain, was asked by UEFA’s website which active player he considers to be the best in his old role.
He 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.”
Kante became a household name last season after helping Leicester City to a shocking Premier League title triumph after being brought in from Caen.
Makelele added, “He is a young player I really like, and I hope he will be better than I was.”
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