4. Claude Makelele
Tony Marshall/EMPICS SportClaude Makelele, now retired after a highly-successful 20-year spell in Europe, might reflect that he left Chelsea a year too soon when he looks back on his glittering career. The Frenchman won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup during his five-season stay at Stamford Bridge and was one of the best defensive midfielders in the business, with defensive midfield even being named the "Makelele role" by some. Signed by Claudio Ranieri in 2003, the move was hailed as a coup for the Londoners who were just beginning to assert themselves as a powerhouse in England and Europe. So good was he during his time at Chelsea that when he left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2008, his departure left gaping holes in the Blues' midfield, scarcely filled by the likes of Lassana Diarra and Michael Essien. Having seen his former club fail to replace him, Makelele may reflect that he had another year or two left in him at the Bridge, and he retired with PSG in 2011.