![]() A career-spanning across 624 games is exemplary, loaded with titles and extraordinary performances. Winning the 2006 World Cup was one of the greatest achievements of his career. He achieved success at both club and country. Another AC Milan wall who carried on the legacy. His tackle on Messi in his prime at the age of 36 showed his dominance and love for the game. One of the greatest world-class defender of all times. A legendary world-class defender who leads his team with sheer diligence and pride. The way he just gently took the ball away for the dribbler was just soothing to watch. One of the most decorated players, he won five champions league titles. Isn’t that astonishing? Conceding just 23 goals in 196 games, he formed a magnificent partnership with Franco Baresi. Just think about it, I mean wow! This man stood like a wall for 25 years at Milan. He once said that if you have to make a tackle then you have already made a mistake. (Photo by Martin Rickett – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images) Here we go! Paolo Maldini AC Milan’s Paolo Maldini (left) jumps in to tackle Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt. ![]() Presenting to you, the list of world-class defenders from the millennial era. Also underappreciated and will be always until we realize their importance. Defenders are unfortunately, always underrated. Any fan will always choose Messi over Puyol,why? Messi will score goals. Am I praising them too much? No! The fact is no-one really applauds for them. A good defender also complements his keeper. They stand tall like a rock, being the wall of your side. 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. There have been teams which defend in numbers. ![]() Tighter defense means the team has much-needed balance. Knockout games often witness slightest margins if victory. Teams have won matches with slender margins in tight games. This creates opportunities to score, many a time on the counterattack. A good defense frustrates the opposition, leading to errors. Look at Athletico Madrid and Liverpool in the last few seasons. Strategies deployed and game plan revoked,it’s more a mental game now. Modern-day football has become more tactical. Well, we feel for you Milan for 2005! Current scenario Now, just imagine taking a 3 goal lead to lose by a goal in the end. What if they don’t score goals? The problem is we only see the number of goals and saving a goal often goes unnoticed. See, a good attack can give you lots of goals but world-class defenders maintain. They say attack wins matches and defense wins you titles. ![]() 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. All through these years, forwards have been the icons. Well, it’s interesting to say that housewives and defenders have one thing in common. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |