What football managers want to see in their defenders

Image source: YouTube.com

While strikers get all the glory, people seem to forget just how important defenders are in football. For this blog, we’ll be paying tribute to those mighty defenders with nerves of steel and unwavering resolve.


On that note, here are the top qualities of football’s best defenders.

Tenacity

Defenders have to be relentless in hounding forwards and midfielders to win back possession. Against teams that love the possession-type game, defenders need to run back and forth tirelessly to block the passing lanes.

Fearlessness

You can’t defend properly if you’re afraid you’ll get hurt. A defender’s life is mainly comprised of him challenging forwards and midfielders for the ball. He’ll be defending against the best ball-handlers of opposing teams. He fails if he gets intimidated.

Image source: Goal.com

Strength

Since defenders often hit and get hit on the pitch, a strong defender is a reliable defender. Defenders can’t be hit once and fall out of position. They need to have a solid constitution, especially in a game that bats people around.

Speed

Often, defenders will have to race against opposing forwards and midfielders to get to the ball. This is where speed comes in. Always remember that forwards are like gazelles; they run like the wind. To stay in time, defenders need to have speed and pacing.

Hello, I’m John Eilermann, a huge football fan. Learn more about me and the stuff I love by following me on Twitter.