Chelsea icon Claude Makelele has given a glowing endorsement of Moises Caicedo, claiming the Ecuadorian midfielder could one day surpass his own legendary status at Stamford Bridge.
Makelele, who joined Chelsea from Real Madrid during the club’s golden era, was pivotal in their back-to-back Premier League wins in 2004 and 2005. His influence was so profound that the holding midfield role is still commonly referred to as the “Makelele role.” Yet, he believes it’s time for a new name to take centre stage.
Caicedo, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in the summer of 2023, has drawn inevitable comparisons to Makelele due to their similar positions and playing style. However, the French legend is more than happy to pass the baton. According to Makelele, Caicedo’s mix of humility, passion, and talent could see him carve out his own identity within Chelsea’s history.
“He’s humble, he smiles, and he works hard,” Makelele said. “Those are qualities I had, but he brings his own flair. He wants to create the ‘Caicedo role,’ and that’s very important.”
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Makelele, now closely involved with the club’s academy and often seen supporting the team during major events, praised Chelsea’s new wave of midfield talent. Alongside Caicedo, he also highlighted Romeo Lavia’s potential, describing the club as being “full of fighters.”
The former Real Madrid star also revealed that he had a personal conversation with Caicedo when the youngster arrived at Chelsea. He admired how Caicedo respected his legacy but insisted on forging his own path.
Reflecting on how legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant became icons by being themselves, Makelele sees no reason why Caicedo can’t be the next big name in football.
“Why not have a ‘Caicedo role’ one day?” he asked. “Every legend started young. Caicedo is doing the same—writing his own story.”
With the endorsement of one of football’s finest, Caicedo now stands on the brink of shaping a new era in Chelsea’s midfield.
Tags: Claude Makelele, Moises Caicedo, Chelsea, #COYB, #KTBFFH, #CFC.
