World Class Defenders – Maestros Playing Under The Shadow
Into the flashback
Well, it’s interesting to say that housewives and defenders have one thing in common. All through these years, forwards have been the icons. The ones sweating, the defenders don’t get any credit Both grind it out but don’t get their due credit and are taken for granted. They say attack wins matches and defense wins you titles. See, a good attack can give you lots of goals but world-class defenders maintain. What if they don’t score goals? The problem is we only see the number of goals and saving a goal often goes unnoticed. Now, just imagine taking a 3 goal lead to lose by a goal in the end. Well, we feel for you Milan for 2005!
Current scenario
Modern-day football has become more tactical. Strategies deployed and game plan revoked,it’s more a mental game now. Look at Athletico Madrid and Liverpool in the last few seasons. A good defense frustrates the opposition, leading to errors. This creates opportunities to score, many a time on the counterattack. Teams have won matches with slender margins in tight games. Knockout games often witness slightest margins if victory. Tighter defense means the team has much-needed balance.
Now, football is a team game, no doubt. There have been teams which defend in numbers. Just look at them, they form a herd of players in front of the goalpost! Although, they defend in numbers, yet there are individual performers. They stand tall like a rock, being the wall of your side. A good defender also complements his keeper. Am I praising them too much? No! The fact is no-one really applauds for them. Any fan will always choose Messi over Puyol,why?? Messi will score goals. Defenders are unfortunately, always underrated. Also underappreciated and will be always until we realize their importance.
Presenting to you, the list of world-class defenders from the millennial era. Here we go!
Paolo Maldini
He once said that if you have to make a tackle then you have already made a mistake. Just think about it, I mean wow! This man stood like a wall for 25 years at Milan. Isn’t that astonishing? Conceding just 23 goals in 196 games, he formed a magnificent partnership with Franco Baresi. One of the most decorated players, he won five champions league titles. The way he just gently took the ball away for the dribbler was just soothing to watch. A legendary world-class defender who leads his team with sheer diligence and pride.
Alessandro Nesta
One of the greatest world-class defender of all times. His tackle on Messi in his prime at the age of 36 showed his dominance and love for the game. Another AC Milan wall who carried on the legacy. He achieved success at both club and country. Winning the 2006 World Cup was one of the greatest achievements of his career. A career-spanning across 624 games is exemplary, loaded with titles and extraordinary performances.
Carles Puyol
Ankara Messi Ankara Messi Golazo!!! This is what Spanish commentators are used to saying every time they cover Messi dribbling and then scoring. Barcelona has been a force to reckon with in the last decade. All credits to Messi? A big No! Puyol, Busquets, Pique all stood tall like a wall to make sure the lead stays intact. Leading by example was Puyol, Spain’s and Barca’s sturdy rock who tackled strikes at will. Heading away, goal-line clearances and much more. His glorious career was profusely rich with club and country success coming his way. For 593 games, he played the same way and that’s why he is often regarded as the most committed player on the field. One of the best world-class defenders Barca ever produced. Visca El Barca!
Check out this video for some of his heroics – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1xourzIfLM
Philipp Lahm
Lahm’s pinnacle of success came in 2014 when he won the FIFA World Cup. An extraordinary right-back who led Bayern’s new generation of football players to the next level. Eight German club titles topped up with a Champions League title makes him a modern great. One of the most reliable full-backs with a brilliant long passing ability. A gifted player and lead the pack from the front, he was destined to become one of the best world-class defenders.
Fabio Cannavaro
From a ball boy to the Ballon D’Or, Cannavaro’s journey has been inspirational. He shot into spotlight with his performances in 2006 World Cup Final. While playing for heavyweights like Juventus, Milan and Madrid, he made sure he was putting his every bit, he started his career at Napoli. The only defender to win the Ballon d’Or in a decade, he won Serie A, La Liga titles as well. Often referred to as the Berlin Wall due to his defensive prowess, he went on to become Italy’s most capped player.
Gerard Pique
After a horrible experience at Manchester, he joined Barca way back in 2007. Rest, they say is history. La Liga, FIFA World Cup, and many accolades have been won by Spain and Barca’s Central defender. He also masters the art o heading the ball into the back of the net. Tall, pacy, and solid, he is one of the best world-class defenders to watch out for.
The man in action, here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPBM7tYV78o
Dani Alves
He changed the definition of a full back, cutting in and threading passes. The telepathy with Messi was one for ages to come,just astounding. Pace and ball control made him a big threat and he himself scored at times as well. After dominating La Liga, he went on to play for Juventus and PSG as well. For his exploits and greatness, he will go down as a legend of the game. He Left Europe with 36 trophies in his cabinet.
Giorgio Chiellini
Bossing the strikers and pure dominance,clubbed with elegance and deftness. Chiellini had all these aspects of the game covered,a rare gem. Italy’s next generation of players who also came from Juventus rose to the top. Over 300 appearances for the Old Lady and 8 Scudettos, he is a club legend. A formidable Centre-back, he forms the backbone of Juventus and Italy’s defense.
John Terry
Chelsea won 1-0. / AFP / Mark Ralston (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images)
A Premier League icon and Chelsea Legend, Terry remains one of the best world-class defenders to have played the game. Leading Chelsea to five Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a UCL, he remains a colossal figure. His aerial pyrotechnics were the highlight of his gameplay, aggressive defending, and sturdy style. With 20 years career with Chelsea spanning across 500 matches, he is considered one of the best Center-backs ever.
Vincent Kompany
Belgium and Manchester City’s golden generation patron. A leader with a purpose,Kompany led City to four PL titles. Central defender is immensely strong aerially and had notable headers to his name. Muscular, tall and with an imposing figure, he remained the biggest block for strikers. He hardly can be moved and it’s almost impossible to dribble past him. He will be widely regarded as one of the best world-class defenders with great leadership skills.
Mats Hummels
A German product served Dortmund and Bayern, he is simply outstanding. Subtle at feet, he has won almost everything possible to win. Bundesliga titles, DLB Polkas and UCL, all of it along with FIFA WC. Imagine, he is just incredible to watch. Often compared to compatriot Beckenbauer, he has good game reading skills. Intercepting loose balls and possession game is his strength. Technically gifted and rock-solid in the air, he is one of the best in the business.
Diego Godin
A modern marvel, leading by example,Godin made the world realize the importance of underdogs. Pushing Atletico Madrid to greater heights, winning La Liga in 2014, and finishing second best twice in UCL Finals. The regret will always be there to succumb at the final hurdle against neighbours Real Madrid. Scoring crucial headers and defending like a champion, Uruguayan Legend now plays for Inter. His career is an example of what industriousness and focussed effort can pay off. He is surely one of the most underrated world-class defenders to thrive in the football arena.
Godin’s legacy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wynkwWD-ZwY
Jerome Boateng
6ft 3in tall, wide arms and heavy thighs. Imagine such a gigantic figure in front of you! I bet, you won’t try to be physical with him. What if he does, you are a goner. Coming from a family, with siblings into the game, he rose to become the best in the world. With a strong grip over the defensive game, he masters opponents. Physically adept and mentally sharp, he knows his game well. With huge success at both club and national level, he aces it all.
Marcelo
Ferocious left-back, he often plays more of a winger role. He operates on the flanks to provide assistance or subtly cuts in to score himself. The pace and pin-point crossing, he delivers at the biggest stage. A four-time UCL winner with five La Liga titles, he is a vital cog of the Madridista. Goal-line clearances and subtly stealing the ball of the feet, he is just so talented. Players like him have changed the approach of teams now. Instead of providing just solidity, the full-backs cover acres of space to create goal-scoring chances from flanks. Hey! not to forget his mind-boggling first touch!
Here’s a video showing his deftness – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgkwL7cA6Ys
Thiago Silva
Brazil’s tacking machine and solid at the back for PSG, he is arguably one of the best Central defenders off late. Phenomenal at heading and equally good at clearing the loose balls, every manager wants a central defender like him. Moreover, his Physical dominance always gives him an edge over other players. With six french laurels in his kitty, he is a PSG legend.
Sergio Ramos
Last but not the least arrives the King, Ramos. A true Madridista, an inspiring captain and solid at the back. Modern-day great, Ramos is a complete defender with almost around 100 goals which is just sensational for a center-back. Taking penalties, converting them, and heading in crucial goals, as he did in 2014 UCL final. 2010 world cup winner, four-time UCL and five times La Liga honors to his name, he is a living legend. Although he has been in the news due to his indiscipline and nasty tackles and fouls, remember Mo Salah? He is one of the most attacking center-backs with complete control of the ball and exceptional aerial prodigiousness. A defender, a captain, and a goalscorer, he does it all that one can do on the field.’ El Capitano’ as they lovingly call him is arguably the greatest ever defender in this era.
Defending is a beautiful art and these artists have been sublime in their performances. A team with solid defense is the one that eventually delivers on the biggest stage. I might have missed out on some of your favourite ones. Do comment them below to let me know!
Watch the king in action – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGYdPVuqXy8
