afrodoc2:


Sammer was very very good no doubt, but he got his injury at 30 not like Fat Ronaldo who was cut down in his prime.
Of the central defenders i saw play live i rate Baresi and Sammer above others not just for the way the marked their man but the way they organized the defence. Kohler, Bergomi, Dessailly, Nesta and Maldini get honorable mention.

sammer won 2 league titles for dortmund & then won the champions league the 3rd year. he went to euro 96 & won the competition becoming the player of the tournament - i think he won a ballon d'or that year too, the first defender to do so since beckenbauer.

my list would be.....
•matthias sammer
•claudio gentile
•paulo maldini
•franco baresi

desailly, nesta, kohler are 3rd tier abeg.

raumdeuter:


Bergomi I saw at Inter Milan cant organize shit. I would even have Stam and Blanc ahead of him. Stam used to be a wall in his days and Blanc though not good on one vs one he can organize the defence well

90's and below defenders

Sammer, Baresi, Maldini, Kohler, Cannavaro, Stam, Nesta, Dessaily

Stam for Bergomi is ok by me. Both not the greatest organizers but tough tacklers in their prime. Bearing in mind Bergomi peaked early in his career (mid to late 80s) before a mid career decline in the 90s he should probably not be in the 90s list.
Sammer, Baresi,Maldini and pre-injury Nesta above all others

coogar:


sammer won 2 league titles for dortmund & then won the champions league the 3rd year. he went to euro 96 & won the competition becoming the player of the tournament - i think he won a ballon d'or that year too, the first defender to do so since beckenbauer.

my list would be.....
•matthias sammer
•claudio gentile
•paulo maldini
•franco baresi

desailly, nesta, kohler are 3rd tier abeg.

It depends on which era you are looking at.
Strictly 90s you have to leave out Gentile. Desailly,Kohler and Nesta and Stam are probably 2nd tier for the 90s below Sammer and Baresi who are the 2 indisputables for that era.

Maldini is at the Sammer Baresi level also, though played most of 90s as a left back.
Nesta straddled the 90s and 2000s, but before his body broke down he was imperious.

afrodoc2:

It depends on which era you are looking at.
Strictly 90s you have to leave out Gentile. Desailly,Kohler and Nesta and Stam are probably 2nd tier for the 90s below Sammer and Baresi who are the 2 indisputables for that era.

what about costacurta?

coogar:


what about costacurta?

A wonderful side kick.......but always a sidekick. He was never the boss.

afrodoc2:


A wonderful side kick.......but always a sidekick. He was never the boss.

let's be honest....
save for sammer - italians have the best defenders. i dunno where they harvest them from.

coogar:


let's be honest....
save for sammer - italians have the best defenders. i dunno where they harvest them from.

Its cultural. Scirea was the best in the 80s, Baresi the best in the 90s, Maldini the best in the 2000s in my opinion.
I am sure Dayo would give it to Thomas Berthold, Sammer, and Jens Nowotny respectively

coogar:


let's be honest....
save for sammer - italians have the best defenders. i dunno where they harvest them from.

Peep this

Think back to the last time you saw a football team play pure man-to-man defense. Fans of a certain age (including the authors at this site) would be hard pressed to come up with more than one or two examples. In fact, there’s good reason for this: apart from Greece in the 2004 European Championships, zonal marking (and variations of zonal marking) is the modern standard. But it wasn’t always this way: during the 1950s, 60s, and into the 70s, Italy ruled the footballing world with a hard-nosed defensive approach known as catenaccio (“the chain”).

Though its defensive roots are older, the catenaccio system was first implemented in its purest and most recognizable form at Unione Triestina in the late 1940s, by the team’s then-coach Nereo Rocco. It helped the team to a surprising second place finish in Serie A that year; Rocco (whose managerial style is captured with this possibly apocryphal quote: “Kick anything that moves; if it’s the ball, so much the better”) also used the strategy to good effect as the coach of Padova and AC Milan during the next decade. It reached its most prominent during the 1960s, under Helenio Herrera, the manager at Internazionale. Inter made the finals of the European Cup 3 times during the decade, winning twice in 1964 and 1965.

The system was remarkable not only for its success, but also for the strategic innovations it brought to the game. First, it assigned strict man-marking responsibilities to its defenders. Each of four defenders would fix onto an attacking player for the duration of the match, with a central midfielder roaming the pitch in front of them to receive outlet passes.

That’s the formation Herrera used at Inter in the 60s. The line of four blue defenders represents the players tasked with marking attackers. The single blue player behind the line of the defenders is the second innovation of the catenaccio system: the libero, or sweeper. This player’s responsibility was to rove the area at the back to clean up his fellow defenders’ mistakes or, if necessary, to double-mark particularly dangerous attacking players.

[img]http://theprofessionalfoul.files./2014/01/catenaccio.jpg[/img]
As is obvious from the formation and personnel, defense was the primary goal of catenaccio, so it’s notable that the only recognizeable aspect of the strategy that remains today is its approach to attacking. To the extent attacking had a place within the system, it was through counter-attack. After an opponent’s forward progress was neutralized (i.e., sucked into the black hole of Italian defense), the defender on the ball had two choices. The less common approach was to send the ball short to the central midfielder up front; more often, it involved kicking the ball long as quickly as possible in the general direction of the strikers, and letting them deal with the rest. Though this approach may not have the finesse and beauty of the typical counter-attack in the modern game, the two tactics share a similar root (not to mention that some clubs — Stoke City of the Premier League, for one — have enjoyed success even today with this long-ball attacking strategy).

Catenaccio was among the most effective tactics developed during the middle part of last century — primarily with the Italian national team and for Serie A clubs — but pure catenaccio itself was fairly short-lived. In the time between 1963 and 1973, seven Italian sides played in the European Cup final, but in the 1974 World Cup, pure catenaccio was dealt a fatal blow at the hands of Dutch Total Football. (We’ll talk more about the development and importance of Total Football in a later post.) After 1974, though Italian sides, and the Italian national team, would maintain a reputation for hard-nosed defending, the catenaccio formation, and even the use of a libero, became increasingly rare. (Some have suggested that the Italians continued to use the system throughout the 80s; but after Total Football and ’74, the most common Italian strategy was a modification of zonal marking and man coverage. This tactic was often referred to as Zona Mista, and allowed for more balance between attacking and defending than catenaccio does.)

You may hear from time to time that certain teams still use catenaccio — think, for example, of Chelsea’s famous win over Barcelona in the 2012 Champions’ League semifinal — but feel free to disregard those comments. The world hasn’t seen pure catenaccio in decades; the game has moved on. And we don’t know your thoughts on the matter, but we’re thankful for it: We like goals.

afrodoc2:


Its cultural. Scirea was the best in the 80s, Baresi the best in the 90s, Maldini the best in the 2000s in my opinion.
I am sure Dayo would give it to Thomas Berthold, Sammer, and Jens Nowotny

i remember scirea!
he partnered gentile in 82. gentile was the bulldog, scirea was the calming influence that you won't even notice on the pitch but he was super-effective. i agree with you, he is a legend in the 80s. there's no way gentile's gamesmanship should be rated over scirea who kept things neat & ticking.

Nihilist:

Peep this

catenaccio - very horrible tactical move. i sometimes meet gamers who park the bus from the blast of the whistle till the end once they see my team.

guess what? they often win 1-0.
they block all the routes, come at you with high pressure once you approach the box. then one little chance they get is a cross from the touchline & their striker is in the box to head it home.

the moment they lead 1-0, just forget it.

Some of us are actually lost...
just dey jump pages...

It's like Rafael is leaving also.

coogar:


let's be honest....
save for sammer - italians have the best defenders. i dunno where they harvest them from.

Italy have the best defenders because they play in a formation that allows them sit deep and defend in numbers.

Italy was the first team I saw where the 8 and the 10 is played by one person (trequartista) Baggio/Del pierro/Totti with one sharp poacher the others were basically water carriers a.k.a eru Iku only Lazio and Inter tried to be different and Juventus would still beat them 1-0

When I used to watch Serie A and Juventus would say Di Livio is their right winger. What is winger about Angelo Di Livio? Or Birindelli as Left winger?

Imagine a lineup of Ferrara--Montero--Iuliano--Pessoto. Midfield Tacchinardi--Di Livio--Conte-- Deschamps Thats like 7 pure defenders /defensive players. They would now just shunt Zidane DelPiero and Inzaghi somewhere in attack. All their games would end 1-0.

That time they frustrated Ronaldo and Inter Milan die

Look at Lucio a finished defender went to play in that formation and with other finished defenders like Samuel and Chivu looked decent in the formation

You want to know what happened to Cannvaro, Zambrotta, Thuram when they ventured into La Liga? they were torn to shreds in the Spanish High line.

Its not unusual to see Canavaro chopping cards anyhow or giving him Hold something dribble while our Ballon D or, WPOTY and best defender dey struggle to hold the grass

chrisley024:
It's like Rafael is leaving also.

too bad.. he and Valencia combined to tear LBs new ones just a few seasons ago.. he served us brilliantly

leggo:

there is a reason it was such a controversial event. what kind of sport would encourage such play??
let's be realistic and not resort to picking standout assaults as a pillar of argument

It is controversial now but then it was hardly an issue, he even went on to play the Final. Germany were given a freekick

Back then there were no consequences for playing rough. Absolutely none!

It was at Italia 90 that Argentina reintroduced thuggery to football and unfortunately for them that was when FIFA decided to take player safety serious

Nihilist:


For a 90s Worldup winners flavour,

I'll go


..........................................TAFFARELL............................................

.......CAFU........MALDINI..........NESTA......ROBERTO CARLOS.......

....................................DUNGA...................................

.......PIRES..............ZIDANE.......................RIVALDO........

.........................RONALDO.........ROMARIO................................

The only weak(ish) link there to me is Pires...

This your list has kwashiokor oo! How will you put Dunga and Pires in any all-time list and leave out one of the greatest libero/sweeper of all-time Lotthar Matthaus?

Pires?? Kwekee oo!

coogar:


catenaccio - very horrible tactical move. i sometimes meet gamers who park the bus from the blast of the whistle till the end once they see my team.

guess what? they often win 1-0.
they block all the routes, come at you with high pressure once you approach the box. then one little chance they get is a cross from the touchline & their striker is in the box to head it home.

the moment they lead 1-0, just forget it.

When I ventured into PS1 and 2, Because I didnt know how to play very well and I also didnt want to lose. I would always deploy 5-3-2 cattenaccio. And I won more than I lost goals from a corner kick or penalty shootout wins were my trademarks

raumdeuter:


Italy have the best defenders because they play in a formation that allows them sit deep and defend in numbers.

Italy was the first team I saw where the 8 and the 10 is played by one person (trequartista) Baggio/Del pierro/Totti with one sharp poacher the others were basically water carriers aka eru Iku

When I used to watch Serie A and Juventus would say Di Livio is their right winger. What is winger about Angelo Di Livio? Or Birindelli as Left winger?

Imagine a lineup of Ferrara--Montero--Iuliano--Pessoto. Midfield Tacchinardi--Di Livio--Conte-- Deschamps Thats like 7 pure defenders /defensive players. They would now just shunt Zidane DelPieroand Inzaghi somewhere in attack. All their games would end 1-0.

That time they frustrated Ronaldo and Inter Milan die

Look at Lucio a finished defender went to play in that formation and with other finished defenders like Samuel and Chivu looked decent in the formation

You want to know what happened to Cannvaro, Zambrotta, Thuram when they ventured into La Liga? they were torn to shreds in the Spanish High line

it could be argued they went to la liga to collect pension. in their prime, they would have put up a better fight in la liga. i never rated zambrotta though but thuram/camnavaro were excellent defenders in their prime!

thuram was past his peak at barca, he was about 34 when he joined barca. what could he possibly contribute at that age? fabio cannavaro was also about 33 when he joined madrid. you cannot beat the italians when it comes to defending & team organisation. they deserve their credits abeg

SailorXY:

Henriquez didn't play a single game for us tho smh...
Nani has also departed & I hear van Persie is on the edge of an exit.
I hope there are plans for a striker @ least, so far we seem to be selling only.

selling and selling good players...i expect Van Gaal to secure the signature of one or two top striker...we cant depend on Wayne Rooney alone as our hit man

coogar:


it could be argued they went to la liga to collect pension. in their prime, they would have put up a better fight in la liga. i never rated zambrotta though but thuram/camnavaro were excellent defenders in their prime!

thuram was past his peak at barca, he was about 34 when he joined barca. what could he possibly contribute at that age? fabio cannavaro was also about 33 when he joined madrid. you cannot beat the italians when it comes to defending & team organisation. they deserve their credits abeg

NO ....the Germans are the best defenders. Carsten Ramelow, Linke and Per Mertesacker

Omo i digress.....who be dis guy wey wan popo Djokovic?

A40:

It is controversial now but then it was hardly an issue, he even went on to play the Final. Germany were given a freekick

Back then there were no consequences for playing rough. Absolutely none!

It was at Italia 90 that Argentina reintroduced thuggery to football and unfortunately for them that was when FIFA decided to take player safety serious

To be honest. Na Cameroun teach those Argentines. If you see the kicks Cannigia and Maradona suffered on that day?

Benjamin Massing kicked Cannigia so tey his boot lost. Ref had to tell him to go look for his boot before the red card. Or na Kana Biyik red card you wan talk?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeRlJJbtdHc

raumdeuter:


To be honest. Na Cameroun teach those Argentines. If you see the kicks Cannigia and Maradona suffered on that day?

Benjamin Massing kicked Cannigia so tey his boot lost. Ref had to tell him to go look for his boot before the red card. Or na Kana Biyik red card you wan talk?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeRlJJbtdHc

Lol i will never forget that tackle. I was supporting Argentina because of beef from Maroc 88. That tackle was hip level!

coogar:


it could be argued they went to la liga to collect pension. in their prime, they would have put up a better fight in la liga. i never rated zambrotta though but thuram/camnavaro were excellent defenders in their prime!

thuram was past his peak at barca, he was about 34 when he joined barca. what could he possibly contribute at that age? fabio cannavaro was also about 33 when he joined madrid. you cannot beat the italians when it comes to defending & team organisation. they deserve their credits abeg

Just a season before They won the league with Juventus, Canavaro was world cup, Ballon D or and WPOTY winner going to Madrid.

Italian league is basically a league for defenders. That was why Taribo excelled. You need to see the way Taribo was hailed for his brutal assault on Kanchelskis where they had to stretch the victim away from the field covered in blanket yet Taribo didnt get a red

How do you think Montero would have survived in any decent league? Looking at this face alone Shawcross would run away

Paramatti would be very much at home being the hitman of a mob

raumdeuter:


Just a season before They won the league with Juventus, Canavaro was world cup, Ballon D or and WPOTY winner going to Madrid.

Italian league is basically a league for defenders. That was why Taribo excelled. You need to see the way Taribo was hailed for his brutal assault on Kanchelskis where they had to stretch the victim away from the field covered in blanket yet Taribo didnt get a red

How do you think Montero would have survived in any decent league? Looking at this face alone Shawcross would run away

Paramatti would be very much at home being the hitman of a mob

PAOLO MONTERO!..... THE LITTLE DEVIL. Brutal but Classy on the ball.

raumdeuter:

Just a season before They won the league with Juventus, Canavaro was world cup, Ballon D or and WPOTY winner going to Madrid.

Italian league is basically a league for defenders. That was why Taribo excelled. You need to see the way Taribo was hailed for his brutal assault on Kanchelskis where they had to stretch the victim away from the field covered in blanket yet Taribo didnt get a red

How do you think Montero would have survived in any decent league? Looking at this face alone Shawcross would run away

Paramatti would be very much at home being the hitman of a mob

a season before.....RVP was the best thing since sliced bread. 12 months later, his power diminished. a year is a very long period for someone to lose his football powers.

raumdeuter:

To be honest. Na Cameroun teach those Argentines. If you see the kicks Cannigia and Maradona suffered on that day?
Benjamin Massing kicked Cannigia so tey his boot lost. Ref had to tell him to go look for his boot before the red card. Or na Kana Biyik red card you wan talk?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeRlJJbtdHc

That is typical Cameroon. Shebi na how them dey always chance us that year be that

Overall though Argentina no try. The contrast between the Argentine team of 86 and 90 was just too ghastly

raumdeuter:


Maybe he meant Eric Moore in Surulere and Best Ogedengbe

The British with their oun ta ni la n gbe l'aroge syndrome. All their players are world-class.

Them go call Beckenbauer, Brits go wan use Bobby Moore compare
People go call Gerd Mueller them go wan use George Best compare

afrodoc2:


Lol i will never forget that tackle. I was supporting Argentina because of beef from Maroc 88. That tackle was hip level!

the way the defender's boot flew in the air when he tackled cannigia was funny as hell. argentina woulda certainly scored with that counter attack - massing had to sacrifice himself to preserve cameroon's lead.

as much as maradona dazzled the world in 86, i still think he had a better performance in italia 90. he was more mature & he ran that midfield like a boss! na ojoro germany take win them for final.

Na Old men full here o

I miss Italian Serie A. A league of badass defenders plus the best of strikers.

afrodoc2:


Lol i will never forget that tackle. I was supporting Argentina because of beef from Maroc 88. That tackle was hip level!

I actually rooted for Cameroon in that match because of my hatred for Maradona then. Those Cameroonians actually silenced Maradona in that match despite the fact that Maradona was showboating before kickoff of the match.

A40:

That is typical Cameroon. Shebi na how them dey always chance us that year be that

Overall though Argentina no try. The contrast between the Argentine team of 86 and 90 was just too ghastly


The British with their oun ta ni la n gbe l'aroge syndrome. All their players are world-class.

Them go call Beckenbauer, Brits go wan use Bobby Moore compare
People go call Gerd Mueller them go wan use George Best compare

That is why Littbarski is better than George Best and Rummenigge will make 1st team of Pele's era abi?
True the British have never produced any world class player, only Germany produces world class players....and the best defenders in history ( Italians are only lucky because of the league they play in).

TRANSFER NEWS




CASILLAS WANTS PORTO MOVE; AGENT




Iker Casillas's agent, Carlo Cutropia says his client is keen to move to Porto ahead of next season.

The Spain international who has fallen out with the Bernabeu faithful as d club is interested in David De gea ,is hopeful of joining Porto according to his agent.

"Casillas is pretty excited about the opportunity to join Porto" his agent told [I]Record[/I]

"We hope Real Madrid will allow him to move on and give him an early exit."


Source;Goal.com

afrodoc2:


For e.g so called world class defenders like Chiellini would have struggled to make any Italian World Cup Squad from 1982 to 1994.

Extend that to the year 2000 abeg
These are the names of the central defenders we took to france 1998
Bergomi
Sandro
Canna
Billy

The great Ciro Ferrera did not even make the squad.