Zidane praises Beckham in Makelele role

Zinedine Zidane admits Claude Makelele's absence will leave a big hole in Real Madrid's midfield.

Zidane is a close friend of the new Chelsea signing and spoke after Saturday's 7-2 thrashing of Valladolid: "Claude knows my opinion on his exit from Real Madrid. I am glad for him because he is happy to be in Chelsea. Claude is a good guy, a friend, and I hope that in England he continues playing the level that he has done here."

"I don't know if Beckham can play like Makelele, but Saturday he was excellent - especially as it was in a position he has hardly ever played in before."