Franz Beckenbauer, Paolo Maldini Franco Baresi –have all been given a legend status at one point of time or another in their career. They also have a good defensive record on their names. Is it just talent? No. Roberto Carlos, Andreas Brehme, Javier Zanetti are also talented and are considered as legends. What needs to be considered here is the fact that their record of successful aerial duels, interception, clearances has to do with their playing position. They play as defenders but that is a large category isn’t it? The role of a defender can be further divided into Left Back, Center Back, Right Back, etc. The players mentioned earlier played as Centre Backs, a role which they excelled in. So what is this role? Let’s dig deeper.
A centre back’s role is very simple to define but very difficult to fulfill. They have one primary task – defend, for which they need to tackle well, block shots, intercept passes and long balls as well as mark the forwards during the game and set pieces. While attacking, the centre backs have two options, either join the attack or form a defense line with the other defenders, anticipating a counter attack. Most centre backs select the latter. While defending they are expected to do everything possible to prevent attackers to get past them.
The role of a centre back is physically and mentally demanding. They need to have good shot power – to make effective clearances, strength – to bully forwards, heading ability – to dominate in the air, read the game – to make key interceptions, calm – to make last minute tackles and to know when to distribute the ball and when to clear.
The role has seen a major change over the years and the introduction of total football was something that gave the defenders the license to venture forward. Franco Baresi – AC Milan and Italy legend was a conventional defender who used his abilities to primarily defend. David Luiz – currently playing for PSG and Brazil, is a player who can be defined as a centre back who likes to venture forward. Not only does he defend well but he has the ability to take ball forward himself. The Brazilian has come under criticism for this attribute but; Carlo Ancelotti exploited this trait and allowed the curly haired centre back to go forward. He used this tactic during his tenure at Chelsea and successfully won the PL, FA Cup and Community shield with the English side. Sergio Ramos is another example of a defender who likes to go ahead and the Spanish International has produced many match winning displays, both defensively and offensively. On the other hand, Mats Hummels, Vincent Kompany and Thiago Silva are all renowned for their conventional defensive approach. Defenders do not get as much attention as the forwards – they do not have flashy tricks up their sleeves nor do they make fancy passes. However, they make their contributions to the team by match winning tackles. Watch Mats Hummels, Vincent Kompany, Thiago Silva, Sergio Ramos perform some defensive magic below:
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