The exodus of the no-nonsense center-back in the Premier League

By on August 21, 2014

The glory days of the no-nonsense center-backs (remember that Wimbledon gang?), were years over but the species was still more than thriving in Britain at the turn of the century. Jaap Stam starred for Manchester United, likewise Tony Adams was a rock in the Arsenal defense – the physical center-backs were prominently viewed as stars just as much as the goalscorers. Even into the mid-2000s these players were bred by the likes of Jose Mourinho. Other countries, namely Spain, were viewed as “just to soft” for these players, where the luxury creative players were. England, along with Italy, was the hub for the powerful center-back, and largely physical play.

And just five or so years ago a renaissance of these defenders came back into the Premier League. Nemanja Vidic; Jamie Carragher; Sol Campbell; John Terry. Even over in Spain these players stated the blossom – Carlos Puyol a prime example. But now these players are retiring. What they leave behind and the young stars to proceed them are undoubtedly world-class, but not the same. That no-nonsense player has, namely in the Premier League, receded into hiding.

Many of the center-backs have now opted for a more technical style – Gerard Pique, for example. The more technical and possession style football heralded by Barcelona has brought in a new generation of defenders. Raphael Varane is another gifted technical center-back. Certainly, there still are a number of old generals in the EPL. Vincent Kompany; Per Mertesacker; Martin Skrtel. But many of the generals have gone elsewhere, namely, Italy. This species still thrives in the lower realm of the top flight, with Curtis Davies, Ron Vlaar, and Brede Hangeland all dominating the defense for their respective clubs. But no longer are they cast into light at the very top. At least, very few are. Players like Laurent Koscielny and Cesar Azpilicueta are now more frequently seen at the very top.

In some ways there are fewer defensive stars as well now. Bar Kompany hardly any of them would be put in the top two or three players at their clubs. Not at Manchester United especially, Liverpool, or Chelsea (aside from the aging Gary Cahill). None of them star. None of them are revered by kids like Stam or Vidic were. Very few of the world class level of the species are even left in the world.

About Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan, founder of Football Every Day, lives and breaths football from the West Coast of the United States in California. Aside from founding Football Every Day in January of 2013, Alex has also launched his own journalism career and hopes to help others do the same with FBED. He covers the San Jose Earthquakes as a beat reporter for QuakesTalk.com and his work has also been featured in the BBC's Match of the Day Magazine.