Well, in theory at least, Claudio was correct. But, as it turned out, Frank Lampard was our battery- look back to our worse performances from last season and, nine times out of ten, it was because of a lacklustre performance from Lamps.
However, this season, under the impressive Jose Mourinho, Makelele has been bloody brilliant! Along with John Terry, Maka has been our best player. By a long way.
The job he is doing in midfield is so good, that our defence is barely being tested, let alone our goalkeeper!
But why have things changed this season? I mean, and don't get me wrong, Makelele had a decent season under Claudio. But he just didn't seem to be having the same sort of impact as this season.
I think a lot of it can be put down to Jose's formation. Claude's job is to sit in front of the back four. He had this role under Claudio Ranieri, but unlike Claudio, Jose prefers to keep his midfield compact.
This gives Maka the support he needs to do his job effectively. So, a lot can be put down to the system and the players in it, but there is also a swagger about Claude's play.
On the ball, you'd be hard pressed to find a player who's body movement is more deceptive. Claude sells more dummies than Mothercare!
And with an excellent range of passing, it is like having an American Football quarter back (no, he doesn't pick the ball up and launch it 50 yards) in terms of the way he can dictate the play.
If Claude can keep up this level of performance, it is hard to see how teams will break us down. Jose Mourinho wouldn't want it any other way...