Discussing Caicedo’s growing importance to the side, Makelele said he believes the 24-year-old ‘will make history’ at Stamford Bridge. Such is his regard for Caicedo, he added his belief that the midfielder is capable of challenging for the Ballon d’Or next year.
“If he continues, I think he can also compete for the Ballon d’Or next year because he is such a good player,” the Frenchman told The Metro.
“I played in this position and I know how difficult it is to play in this position, how difficult it is to think on your feet. Because when you play in this position, you can’t think for yourself; you need to think about the team, about the way you see it.
“In a game, you need to read quickly in that position. Sometimes the manager doesn’t have time to give you the message and you need to analyse straight away and be like a second manager in the team.
“It’s very, very important that you need to have the character, you need to have a strong mentality. This is not easy, but I’m sure he will be one of the big players for the club moving forward. He will make history in a Chelsea shirt.”
