Strikers often grab the headlines, but every successful soccer team needs a reliable defense. Central defenders must stop the opposition strikers getting a look-in near the goal and can win the battle with the right attributes and tactics.
Physical Attributes
Central defenders are often among the tallest players on the pitch as it is important to head the ball away into safe areas of the pitch when long passes arrive in the goal area. Lars Lagerback, the former coach of the Swedish men's national team, explained to UEFA.com, "I would like him to be at least 185 centimeters (6 foot 1) to be sure he's good in the air because there are lots of crosses coming in. You can have a big center forward in the opposite team, so height is a quality that you need."
Teamwork
It is an advantage to be quick so you can chase an opponent if he breaches the defensive line. However, by defending as a unit and understanding the strengths of your teammates, it is possible to make up for physical weaknesses. A typical defense of two central defenders and two fullbacks will try to stay in a straight line across the pitch when the opposition has the ball. This helps to catch opposition attackers offside. But if the defenders are slow, it would be risky to leave too much room between the goalkeeper and the defense.
Playing to your strengths
If playing alongside a quicker fullback, a central defender may try to guide fast opponents towards wider areas of the pitch. Darren Purse, an experienced central defender who has played in the English Premier League, told the website FourFourTwo Performance, "The main area where a goal is scored is straight down the middle of the pitch, so if you can push strikers out wide, at least you’re taking them away from your goal. In this area, a forward will then be running at a mobile fullback who can match him for pace instead of a slow center back."
Concentration and Communication
Goals are often conceded when defenders lose concentration. Making mistakes in the center of defense can be more costly than in any other position as there are few teammates around to correct the error. The game can quickly move from attack to defense and demand quick adjustments and decisions. As well as remaining personally alert, the central defender often must organize teammates. Center backs have the best view of all of the players on the field, so they are in a good position to direct their teammates to the best positions.
Winning the Duel
A central defender will inevitably find himself in a one-on-one situation, where he alone stands in the way of the striker getting a shot at the goal. Faye White, the captain of the English women's national team, told the BBC that it is important to watch the ball rather than the player when an opponent is dribbling towards you. "You don't want to be looking at their body shape. Because they'll fool you with all their feints and tricks. Keep on your toes so you can change direction quickly. The decision when to tackle is everything. Can you win the ball? Do you have defensive cover around you? If you're on your own then, it's probably best to delay diving in. And if the attacker touches the ball too far, then that's when you can dive in. But it's so important not to be on the ground for too long because you'll be simply out of the game. Choose your tackle wisely."
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