Claude Makélélé was a defensive midfielder so influential that the position he perfected came to bear his name. A France international, he provided the shield in front of the defence for Real Madrid’s galácticos, winning La Liga and the Champions League, before joining Chelsea, where he was central to back-to-back Premier League titles.
Unshowy but indispensable, he read danger, broke up play and moved the ball simply and quickly, allowing more celebrated teammates to flourish. His understated brilliance changed how the holding role was understood across the game.