Some players will just always draw comparisons to former greats, it is very natural in this sport.
Players will certainly see it as a compliment, and they will most certainly draw inspirations from their idols and try to learn from them.
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But as much as I understand people constantly comparing N’Golo Kante with Chelsea legend Claude Makelele, the two players are actually quite different.
Makelele literally made his own role – The Makelele role. He was to sit in front and monitor the defence, break up play and defend. Whilst Kante CAN do this, he is much more of a roamer than Makelele and if he ever has to just sit, you are losing his key asset – his unlimited energy.
Also, by winning the ball back high up the pitch, Kante starts many of our attacks, something you’d never see Makelele doing.
Kante also doesn’t think he is like Makelele, as he explains in his latest interview with UEFA.
“Growing up, coaches or team-mates might tell me that I resemble such-and-such a player. I was just someone who watched football; I would watch the games which interested me, without necessarily focusing on players in a similar position to mine. Whenever the international break came around, I would obviously watch France play. And getting to watch the likes of [Claude] Makélélé or Lassana Diarra, I drew inspiration from them at some point.
“But in the end, I’m not like them. I was lucky to be in touch with them and they’re great players with their own career, and I have my own career and path at my side. I have had some chats with Claude since I came to Chelsea. He was here to give me advice on my play, and the impact I can have on the game. Being able to talk with him about that is beneficial for me because he knows the position.”
