Former Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi has revealed that his greatest defensive midfielder of all time is former Chelsea star Claude Makelele, Soccernet.ng reports.
Mikel joined Chelsea in 2006 after a controversial transfer triangle involving Manchester United. At the time he joined the club, he was one of the best young attacking midfielders in the world.
However, coach Jose Mourinho converted him to a defensive midfielder. At the time, French defensive midfielder Makelele was the first-choice at the club. And Mikel was clearly an understudy.
By the time, Makelele was leaving Chelsea in 2008, Mikel had already established himself in the position. The former Super Eagles star went on to play for the club until 2017, when he moved to China.
Mikel hosted Makelele in the latest edition of his podcast, and he gave a glowing recommendation of the former France star.
“My mentor, my idol in my position that I played. For me, he is the greatest that has ever played in that position. You must be doing something right if you have a position named after you,” Mikel said.
Makelele is highly regarded as one of the best defensive defenders of all time. Aside from Chelsea, he played for other top clubs like PSG and Real Madrid.