“He plays like Claude Makelele” – As Mauricio Pochettino gives green light for £80million Chelsea transfer target
Liverpool legend John Barnes has made a bold claim by comparing Mauricio Pochettino’s top target Moises Caicedo with legendary midfielder Claude Makelele. He believes that the Ecuadorian is not eye-catching on the pitch, but plays a very important role.
Caicedo has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea this summer, after both clubs failed to convince Brighton & Hove Albion to let go of him in January. The midfielder has been in top form this season and had handed in a transfer request but was not allowed to leave.
Speaking to MyBettingSites, Barnes had high praise for Caicedo and claimed that he reminded him of Makelele. He added that the Ecuadorian is not a flair player, but someone who loves to sit back and defend. He said:
“I love Caicedo. He’s been playing in the fullback position but naturally he’s a defensive midfielder. We like the flair players that create and score goals but defensive midfield players aren’t as appreciated. He reminds me of Claude Makelele who’s not particularly eye-catching but what he does for the team is important.”
Brighton are open to selling Caicedo in the summer, and reports suggest he has a release clause in his contract.
Pochettino, meanwhile, is reportedly all set to take over the managerial position at Chelsea after this season.