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#6 Claude Makelele
The defensive midfield role was taken up by Claude Makelele. He was the pivot for Chelsea and the most important link between the defense and attack. Before joining Chelsea in 2003, the French player plied his trade with Marseille, Celta Vigo, and Real Madrid. However, Makelele spent a major chunk of his career, 5 seasons to be precise, with Chelsea. He played in the defensive midfield position and was considered one of the best in his job.
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His presence on the pitch gave the impetus to players like Frank Lampard, Arjen Robben, Didier Drogba, and Eidur Gudjohnsen to run at oppositions' defenses to wreak havoc. Makelele also has 71 appearances for France and was a part of the FIFA World Cup team which finished runners-up in 2006 just as his club compatriot William Gallas.
The Frenchman was all about aggressive tackling, hard-work, breaking down the oppositions' plays, acceleration, discipline, and ball-winning ability. His short and effective passing helped to control the tempo of the game in the midfield.
Makelele joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2008 before hanging up his boots in 2011. He is currently the head coach of Königliche Allgemeine Sportvereinigung Eupen, a Belgian football club.
