The Modern Centre-Back: Evolving Roles and Skills

This chapter explores the changing nature of centre-backs in football, emphasizing the shift towards versatility, technical skills, and adaptability to fast-paced gameplay. Insights from past and present players illustrate the balance between physicality, speed, and tactical intelligence, as defenders now often engage in midfield roles and proactive strategies. The discussion also highlights the importance of passing abilities and the challenges faced in evaluating centre-back performances in today's game.