The former France star Claude Makelele believes N’golo Kante can become the best defensive midfielder in the world but feels he can still improve as a player.

The 43-year-old told the Uefa website which active player he considers to be the best in his defensive midfield role.

The former Chelsea midfielder hopes N’Golo Kante can become the best holding player in the world but claimed the Chelsea midfielder has work to do if he is to perfect the position.

‘It is a position where it is difficult to play. You must be a leader. You must work with your team-mates in midfield,’ Makelele said.

‘I like N’Golo Kante, but is he better than me at this? I do not know. He still needs time to fully learn the job, to learn about football.’

Kante burst onto the scene at Leicester City last season, powering Claudio Ranieri’s team to a historical Premier League title triumph after making the move from Caen.

His efforts in the Foxes’ earned him a place in the France national squad for Euro 2016 and a big-money move to Chelsea, where the 25-year-old is already demonstrating his worth under Antonio Conte’s.

Makelele believes the midfielder is still young and has the potential to play the ‘Makelele’ role better than himself.

‘He is a young player I really like, and I hope he will be better than I was,’ he added.

N’Golo Kante will now face his former side for the first time since making his move to the Blues when the Foxes take on Chelsea in the League Cup on Tuesday.

The match at the King Power Stadium kicks off at 20:45.