He was actually underrated with passing. Chris Coleman actually put a man marking job of him as his main tactic to nullify us (and it worked as Fulham won 1-0).
"Chris Coleman’s Fulham was one of few teams able to isolate and stifle Makelele’s ability. After defeating Chelsea 1-0 at Craven Cottage in March 2006, Coleman referred to Makelele as the focal point of Chelsea’s attacking setup. Fulham focused their attacks out wide, man-marked Makelele and interrupted the passing channels that the Frenchman thrived on.
Exposed, Mourinho was forced to pull Mikel Essien further back to assist Makelele for a string of games, weakening their attacking fluidity. Chelsea still ran away with the title but it confirmed that their midfielder stalwart was only human after all."
Article here