Football's constant evolution is giving birth to the new and improved libero
Two weeks ago the world of twitter was lit up with a debate regarding who was the better player; Gerrard, Lampard or Scholes. It is an argument which has been going strong for a good decade now and one which dominates the first part of my book "The Way Forward" (which can you buy here), where I argue how England neglected their greatest playmaker in Scholes for the 'other two'. However this article is not about that debate, a debate which in fact took away from a more important and relevant debate which Mr Carragher and Neville had regarding the modern defender.
Two weeks ago the world of twitter was lit up with a debate regarding who was the better player; Gerrard, Lampard or Scholes. It is an argument which has been going strong for a good decade now and one which dominates the first part of my book "The Way Forward" (which can you buy here), where I argue how England neglected their greatest playmaker in Scholes for the 'other two'. However this article is not about that debate, a debate which in fact took away from a more important and relevant debate which Mr Carragher and Neville had regarding the modern defender.
In some ways you can see why Sky could not resist pitting Carragher with Neville. Two players who personified the passion and loyalty of their respective clubs and who have perhaps never seen eye to eye on matters. For Sky's producers having a Liverpool vs United pairing would be ideal fan viewing.
However you cannot help but think that Monday Night Football has being 'dumbed down' with the introduction of Carragher. What has been some of the best and informative analysis of Premier League football possibly ever by a pundit on our television we are now in a stage where Sky could not resist throwing in a grenade to ruffle Neville and provide sparks. I
t has worked and Carragher has certainly being given the remit to annoy and provoke Neville, whether by playing devil's advocate whenever possible or by simply stating his opinion.
As a tactical and coaching enthusiast Neville's analysis offered a lot, Carragher however talks more like a fan in the pub. Sky wanted entertainment, or perhaps wanted a man who could speak to the 'common' fan. Well what they've got is not a lout but a player/analyst who is very much steeped in the English philosophy. Yet through these faults we were gifted the debate about modern defenders. It was fascinating and a lesson for coaches.
Modern defending
While watching the highlights of Everton vs Chelsea Carragher argued that David Luiz was a liability for Chelsea because of his lack of discipline and control as a central defender. He was amazed at his positioning and desire to chase the ball. Neville argued that perhaps Luiz was being what the modern game required, positive and playing on the front foot. Carragher was having none of it. Yet there is much to admire with what Neville argues here.
Who are some of the world's best defenders in today's game? The top five are probably Thiago Silva, Vincent Kompany, Mats Hummels, Giorgio Chiellini and Gerard Pique. You could also add Sergio Ramos, David Luiz, Dante and Subotic to that list too. What do these all have in common? Well as well as their ability to defend extremely well they are known for their ability with the ball. Notably, their ability to carry the ball.
As the world of football changes and alters most notably tactically, the players and styles adapt with it. Some are progressive, forward thinking changes, whereas others are reactive to the new changes. Thus we have the tiki-taka vs counter pressing dichotomy of styles.
The modern defender has evolved due to the obsession with with midfield overloads and domination. Ultimately teams have cancelled each other out in these areas. What this has meant is the game has become a stalemate in the middle. Coaches have attempted to use false nines to overload the midfield or the common approach has been a 4-2-3-1 which leaves one forward isolated against two defenders and five midfielders seek to dominate the middle.
What this means of course is that as more teams opt for a 4-2-3-1 there is one player who is always free (discounting the keeper). Therefore the ball playing centre back has become essential, not just a luxury. It is clear that we have entered a new cycle in the world of football, where we have the return of the libero, the playmaking centre back.
England's distrust of ball playing defenders
In the past we had the world class libero's of Beckenbauer, Baresi, Sammer and even Hoddle. These were the playmakers who could carry the ball and break the opposition's lines. They controlled games, swept up attacks and started their own. The game evolved and they got left behind, or more to say moved higher up the pitch.
In England particuarly the libero was never valued as 4-4-2 dominated the formational setup and direct football stopped many from embracing a ball playing centre back. Of course Liverpool and Forest saw the value in ball playing defenders, yet the FA of England and thus the coaches who attended their courses did not take heed or seek to develop these 'key' players.
Across Europe however this player was thriving in back three systems notably in Italy and Germany (their success internationally notable also). Brazil and Holland have always looked to produce ball playing defenders because their style determines this is the case (it has meant that their defensive solidity has suffered because of it however).
Yet England have rarely trusted the defender who can 'play', it is the defensive, negative mindset of English football which promotes 'safety first' over trying to play. And although the past decade has seen world class defenders in Ferdinand and Terry (who can both play and pass very well) English football is still struggling to develop ball playing defenders, the modern libero as you will.
You see Carragher's approach and mentality is steeped richly in the English pragmatism, his career is built on it and he can't necessarily dismiss what has made him such a handsomely rewarded professional. Yet one doubts how well he would have done abroad which asks for more than their defenders than just hoofing the ball upwards to the clouds.
The modern game particuarly requires all XI to play and it is little surprise he hung up his boots after a year with the modern and progressive Brendan Rodgers. English football is changing and the top sides require players who can play in the top levels. Therefore players like Kompany, Nastatic, Ivanovic, Luiz, Vertonghen, Koscielny and Agger are key players for sides who wish to play and develop through the thirds.
Yet as mentioned, it is not just about passing the ball, but running with it. Those world class defenders in football today are confident and willing to take the ball out and drive with it. Modern systems promote it. That is why Pique was so important for Guardiola's Barca side and why he now wants Martinez to play deeper, these are modern libero's.
Mats Hummels does it for Dortmund and Germany to great effect and Silva and Luiz (before them Lucio) for Brazil effectively can play a double pivot from defence, driving forward into areas which their midfielders are creating for them to exploit. It is fascinating to see these tactical developments and of course with that the techinal components required for these styles to 'work'.
Change of philosophy at youth level
If England wish to 'catch up' with the modern game then we need to look at what we are doing at youth level with our young players. In players like Phil Jones and Chris Smalling we do have players who wish and are capable of driving out with the ball, yet this number needs increasing.
We need to get away from 'old school' defensive mentalties and adapt to the modern games requirements. If running with the ball and dribbling are coming back, notably with 'deeper' players then our philsophies and methods must account for this. Therefore the academy system needs to alter its approach to 'possession' and look to develop 'carriers' who can fit in to the modern game.
In terms of techincal levels every player in academy football should have the components and 'key skills' which the modern game requires and in a world of growing 'universality' the players should all possess these attributes. It is also important that players are capable as 'athletes' also to handle the demands that his style and approach requires; speed, stamina and strength are key.
If the changes at the bottom are not addressed then we won't be able to compete in the future. And let's not be naive or ignorant to this idea of 'universality' that if every player needs to be capable in possession, then they also need to be capable out of possession too. All the top defenders in world football are great on both sides of the ball.
Unfortunately what is being seen at academy level is the growing trend of focusing everything onto attacking play and neglecting defensive elements. This needs to change because defending as an individual, unit and team is becoming more important, not less. If you can't defend you can't play in the modern game, this is becoming very clear.
The evolution and cycle of the modern libero is another fascinating development in the world of football. What is important is that as coaches of future talent we must look at these trends and developments and seek to develop players capable of handling the needs of the modern and future game.
For more about what English football requires to develop players and teams for the future, read "The Way Forward" from Matt Whitehouse. A book which offers the solutions for a better footballing future. Order your copy from here.
The Whitehouse Address @The_W_Address
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