Defenders’ task is to stop the opposition from scoring goals, so it is obvious that their function in the team is crucial.
At the very heart of any team is consistently the goalkeeper, the position which never alters no matter what formation you pick to play! To be the only position which is never overlooked shows the importance a keeper holds for a soccer club, as ultimately, they’re the ones that prevent the shots from going in. Because of this, it’s by no means the easiest position in soccer, as there's a lot of pressure on you to make saves throughout the match. It can be challenging being a goalkeeper, as you might have half an hour where you do not have to do anything, but you always have to be alert to danger and ready to spring into action. It is likely that the Valencia owner will be aware of the value of having an agile keeper between the sticks, as this has saved them a few times over the previous couple of seasons.
Possibly the most distinguished position in the defensive line is that of the centre-back. Typically, you will see two players set up next to one another playing this position, one on the left and the other on the right. These footballers are normally tall and strong, as they’re accountable for muscling attackers off the football and heading long balls over the top away. The best centre backs don’t need to necessarily be quick, but they have to be able to read this sport, so they can sense risk; if a player can do this, their centre back positioning can make up for any shortage of pace they may have. A few of the very best teams of all time have had spectacular centre-backs in their club, the AC Milan owner will most likely recall when his side had among the greatest ever to play in that position.
A position which has become far more important in recent times, attributable to the evolution of their responsibilities is that of a full back. Footballers in this position play on the left and right side of the defensive line and are responsible for not just defending against the opposition wingers, but nowadays they have to do a great deal of attacking too! Those who understand full back football roles will know that footballers need to get up the pitch and get crosses into the box today. Because of this, the position needs a high stamina level, as you’ll be running along the wings for the whole match! The Crystal Palace owner will most likely know how great a difference it can make to your club if you have a dependable full back in the team.