One of the best fullbacks Europe ever had. Almost equally good with both feet, fantastic free-kick taker. I have hardly seen anyone discuss him. Heck, people even discuss Ashley Cole!
Makelele is not overated, he is just a limited player running for others. People created the myth that the failure of galacticos was because of his departure. They forgot that at some point Real Madrid was leading with a good advantage the Spanish league, in the semifinals of CL and in the final of Spanish Cup. Without or with Makelele, even using that really open team. Then what Happened was ; Ronaldo Got injuried. A suicide team needs his personality and efficiency and even so, the failure of that team was losing a penalty kick against Juve and being defeated by Deportivo in a 3-2 game. How close after the end of galacticos Real got of such numbers. Then people blame it all to Makelele departure and not the fact that any team needs time to get impressive result and that team, based on the will of players and their talent almost got it. Their players are very tired because they had always to play and Ronaldo got injuried, that is why they failed. Makelele, bleargh.What makes the mind boggle is when you have truly underrated players like how Claude Makelele was once perceived. The guy didnt receive near enough praise during his time at Real Madrid (which can in no way be down to a lack of exposure) but the moment he leaves the overall opinion of him increases dramatically (that is lack of exposure...of Real Madrid's defence).
From what I've read here he sounds like he's on the level of Stuart Pearce. A decent, free-kick and penalty taking left back.