#4. Claude Makelele
You would have heard Zidane’s famous quote when Real Madrid decided to sell Claude Makelele and signed David Beckham. He said, “Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you are losing the entire engine?”
That in itself sums up how important Makelele was to Real Madrid. He was signed from Celta Vigo in controversial circumstances and turned out to be a bargain at 14 million Euros. In just three seasons he helped the club become the best team in the world.
Makelele was a one-man show in midfield allowing his teammates to do what they pleased knowing they had him to sweep up any of the opponents attacks. He defined the central defensive midfield position and set the benchmark for the future generation of destroyers.
The fact that the Real Madrid players were so distraught and upset with the sale to Chelsea was just the top of the iceberg. Madrid entered a period of descent after his exit. They won La Liga twice in the next seven years while the little midfielder went on to great things with the Blues.
