Aston Villa News 24/7Writer: Mike Field 
Date:Wednesday December 26 2007
Time: 1:11PM
UK time is: 12:02:50
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Villa's Makelele With Legs?
NRC had previously commented that O'Neill wanted him to play a new holding role which he wasn't used to, and in most games he has either shone or looked mildly useful (the less said about the Man City pass the better though) and in todays match against Chelsea he's hoping he can be pivotal in helping us to another 3 points.
Speaking to the official site he said:
'Martin's called me Makelele with legs and it's a massive compliment. Funnily enough when I was an apprentice at Wimbledon close friends used to call me Makelele and I didn't really like it then because I thought I was a lot more dynamic!
'I had quite a good chat with the manager and he said he wanted me to be his defensive Makelele with legs.'
'Makelele with legs' eh. I can't help but think maybe this chat took place during the club's Xmas party? Thinking of which, who do you think would've played Santa and did Martin get anyone to sit on his knee?
'It has been difficult during this transition from a box-to-box Reo-Coker to a holding Makelele. It's a very disciplined role but I can see why he wants me to do that.
'Getting into the England squad is my next goal. The fact that I am now a holding midfielder gives me more opportunity.
'People have complimented me on my ability to win the ball back. I played there against Inter Milan in a pre-season game and afterwards their coach asked for my shirt and gave me a signed Inter top, which was a big compliment.
'The Italians use that formation a lot, with someone 'sitting' in front of the back four. It has opened up new avenues for me.'
If NRC can master that role he's definitely in with a good shout under the Capello's new England. Plenty think Gareth Barry is now in with a proper chance of becoming a regular because of the style of play we expect Capello to insist on, and a livly, disciplined NRC will not only be a potential advantage for England, but it would be a definite advantage for Villa.
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Your Comments
just to fill in a few gaps, I've been reliabl;e informed by a tipsy reindeer that the Santa at the villas christmas do was The General. He gace out walnuts and satsumas, amoung other gifts.
lorenzo
I think it is an isult to Maka. Only Maka can play in that role. A Makelele with legs = Essien.
Adilson
Only one in the world huh? Get real!!!
Villain Of The North
the new Maka - what you mean he'll only play once in a blue moon!
merlin
Makelele is the best proponent of interception in the final third of the pitch that there is in the prem, he just knows where the ball is going to go, and he gets there, then plays the simple ball to a better player. He's not a footballer in the normal sense, he just reads the game very very well. Reo reads it pretty well, but he's never in the right place at the right time, he just sprints about everywhere, chasing shadows and tackling hard. I can kind of see the comparison, but Reo is more of a complete player, and less of an intercepting genius. I'd sooner have Reo in honesty.
AstonMartinOneill
lol at aston rather have reo then makelele. Makelele is a football genius, there wont ever be anyone like him. reo wont reach makas knees
makelele
I've been one of NRC's biggest critics, but today I thought he played really well. Certainly one of his better showings since moving to beautiful B6.
glensider
So even when playing his best, it's pretty easy to see he's no Maka. Best of luck to him tho.
Blue is the colour
Wondering what happened to Essien today? shocking like the rest of the Chelsea team especially diving winging Joe Cole - Bouma had him all nicely wrapped up in his pocket.
KSarge1
Makelele is a quality footballer, no arguments from me blue is the colour. As long as NRC does the job for us, I personally couldn't give a toss whether he's comparable to, better than, or inferior to Mr Makalele.
glensider
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