The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast Building the ideal modern day centre-back
Feb 13, 2025
Michael Cox, a respected football tactics writer, joins Mark Carey and Liam Tharme from The Athletic's data department to break down the modern centre-back. They discuss the evolving traits needed for today's game, including versatility and technical skills. The trio highlights the importance of effective partnerships, showcasing iconic duo dynamics and tactical roles. They also explore innovative metrics for evaluating defensive performance, emphasizing adaptability in shifting football strategies.
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Modern Centre-Back Traits
- Modern centre-backs must excel in 1v1 defending due to aggressive pressing styles.
- Technical skills and competitiveness now outweigh sheer physicality and height.
Speed Is Crucial
- Speed has become essential for centre-backs, especially as teams play higher defensive lines.
- Quick defenders can compensate for lack of game reading by catching speedy forwards.
Rising Physical Demands
- Physical demands on Premier League centre-backs have risen significantly over recent seasons.
- They've increased sprint and high-speed running distances by 18-20%, reflecting faster-paced games.