Former Chelsea legend Claude Makelele, known for his exceptional defensive skills during his time at Stamford Bridge, has recently named Premier League star Casemiro as a better defensive midfielder than himself. Makelele, who made 217 appearances for Chelsea and played a crucial role in the team’s success, has now passed the torch to the young Brazilian player.

In a social media post by Goal, Makelele was asked to remain silent until he heard the name of a better defensive midfielder than himself. While he stayed quiet when names like Roy Keane and Gennaro Gattuso were mentioned, he couldn’t help but praise Casemiro when his name came up. Makelele stated, “Yes. Because he is young, it is a new generation. He reminds me of my generation.”

Casemiro, who currently plays for Premier League club Manchester United, made a big move from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of £70 million. The 52-year-old Makelele’s endorsement of Casemiro highlights the young player’s talent and potential in the world of football.

Makelele’s acknowledgment of Casemiro’s abilities not only showcases the respect between generations of footballers but also emphasizes the evolution of the game. As fans and pundits alike continue to debate the best defensive midfielders in the world, Casemiro’s name now stands alongside the greats, thanks to the endorsement from a true legend of the game like Claude Makelele.