Chelsea have had some terrific ball-winners down the years, with Claude Makelele arguably being the best.
These days, it is Moises Caicedo who has been given the responsibility of stopping opposition attacks at Stamford Bridge.
And the midfielder is doing a phenomenal job, which has not gone unnoticed. It is thought that Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr are now interested in signing Caicedo.
This week, Makelele spoke about Caicedo and shared what the 23-year-old told him before his move to Chelsea.
Claude Makelele was Moises Caicedo’s role model
In the past, Caicedo has raved about N’Golo Kante. In fact, Caicedo even named Kante in his all-time XI.
However, the Ecuadorian is also a huge fan of Makelele, telling the Chelsea legend that he was his “example”.
Makelele told GiveMeSport in an interview: “With Caicedo, I love this boy. He’s humble and hard-working. I talked with him before he arrived at Chelsea and he told me I was his example. I’m sure he can be a success at Chelsea because he’s a good player.”
Fast forward to now, and it is Caicedo who has a lot of admirers in the game. There is a feeling at Chelsea that some of Europe’s top clubs are starting to appreciate Caicedo’s ability.
With a contract until 2031, though, Chelsea supporters do not have to worry about the former Brighton & Hove Albion star joining Al-Nassr or any other club this summer. The Blues do not find themselves in a position where they have to sell one of their best players.
Claude Makelele on Liam Delap acquisition
Caicedo will be an important player for Chelsea at the Club World Cup as Enzo Maresca‘s side try to win the tournament, and the Ecuador international could line up alongside new signing Liam Delap.
Delap joined from Ipswich Town earlier this month, and Makelele has welcomed his arrival.
In the same interview with GiveMeSport, the Frenchman said: “They needed a second striker [in Delap]. He is compatible with [Nicolas] Jackson and adds competition.
“Jackson can’t do it all alone. I appreciate him. He fought all season. He did a good job, scored a lot of goals and got some assists, but of course another striker is welcome.”
Chelsea finished their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with 19-year-old Marc Guiu being the only available striker in their squad. Considering that, Maresca will also welcome Delap’s arrival.
The two already know each other, having worked together at Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Manchester City.
