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Makelele hopes Kante can surpass him

N'Golo Kante may become a superior midfielder to Claude Makelele, according to the former Chelsea star.

Claude Makelele hopes N'Golo Kante can become the best holding player in the world but claimed the Chelsea midfielder has work to do if he is to perfect the position.

Former France international Makelele was widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world at the peak of his career, shielding the backline and distributing the ball to more gifted attacking team-mates with understated brilliance at Real Madrid and Chelsea.

The 43-year-old, who began his career at Nantes and also played for Marseille and Celta Vigo before retiring in 2011 after a spell with Paris Saint-Germain, was asked by UEFA's website which active player he considers to be the best in his old role.