10 Defensive Players to Watch in Brasil

In the last '10 to watch' article my attacking instincts took over and I chose 10 predominately attacking midfielders (Arsene Wenger and myself do have similarities). Of course it wasn't fair being a man who professes about balance and defensive strength to neglect a key, and perhaps most important part of the game and the key players who may be the ones to turn failure into success this coming month. So here are my 10 defensive players to keep your eyes on in the coming weeks.

Thibault Courtois

For me you cannot succeed without a great goalkeeper and in Courtois Belgium possess arguably the best goalkeeper in world football this past year. And to think he is still only 22 years old! The Beglian is proving to be a shrewd acquisition for Chelsea who will benefit from his extended loan period by receiving the world’s best keeper when he finally is ‘ready’ to play for his parent club. Atleti have certainly benefited greatly from his influence and quality and Belgium hope that he can continue this level of performance for the coming month. With many tipping Belgium to do something special, it is important one considers their inexperience of major tournaments & may be prone to moments of naivety. This is why Courtois is so important as he may be their 'get out jail card' on more than one occasion.  

Mattia De Sciglio

Italy look set to play with a back four at the World Cup yet it will most certainly turn into a back three with Danielle De Rossi dropping in from his holding midfield position. This is because Prandelli will most likely seek to unleash his full backs to push forward as much as possible. Abate will more than likely play on the right yet it is the 21 year old De Sciglio on the left who could be a revelation. Possibly the best thing to come out of Milan these past few seasons Di Sciglio has impressed on both the right and left and looks to have the potential to become a great for Italy this next decade. His speed, stamina and quality with the ball will frighten a player like Glen Johnson and he could be a key factor in a tournament where midfield areas are going to be heavily congested.

Marcos Rojo

Not many are talking about Argentina’s defence in a positive sense and perhaps rightly so. Although Zabaleta has proven his quality there are still questions over the centre backs and goalkeeper. However it does appear that Argentina may have found a promising defender in Marcos Rojo. Joining Sporting Lisbon for £3.5million from Spartak Moscow in 2012 the 24 years old’s progression has drawn attention from some of Europe’s top clubs. His ability to play as a left centre back as well as full back provides variability for fluid systems moving from a back four to three. Expect to be impressed this summer and expect to see a big move afterwards also.

Fernandinho

If Brasil are going to win the tournament then it will not be the talent and flair of Neymar but the defensive might they perform with. However much we marvel over attacking talent we cannot ignore how important balance and defensive security is for a side. Fernandinho was sublime this past season for Man City and was a key part in their success, providing the cover for attacking players to flourish. Brasil will more likely play with a box defence of two centre back’s and two holding midfielders giving licence to the wing backs to go forward freely. This box will determine how well Brasil do this summer and although Gustavo and Paulinho have proven capable in these roles before Fernadinho should be the starter for Scolari. 

David Luiz

Luiz gets on this list because people need to start watching him for the player he is and not for the character he portrays. His hair and style appear to have convinced people that he is a liability. Yet when you watch him play you see one of the most complete players in the modern game. Capable of stepping out with the ball into midfield with a passing range of some of the best Luiz is a sublime footballer. And as was proven last summer at the Confederations Cup when he is partnered with the world’s best defender Thiago Silva they make the world’s best defensive partnership also. Expect Brasil to be very strong defensively, a key reason why they could lift the trophy. Defence wins championships and with these two Brasil have as a good a chance as any.

Sergio Ramos

I wonder what it will take to make people realise that Sergio Ramos is a world class player? Although we should discuss his defensive qualities it is important to highlight his ability from attacking set pieces. Two goals against Bayern and the key goal to send the final to extra time highlighted his talent at scoring important goals from free kicks and corners, an asset which will be valuable one feels at this tournament. Yet don’t think he can’t defend. At the 2012 Euro’s Ramos and Pique were the best defensive partnership at the tournament and with Casillas behind them and Busquets and Alonso in front Spain will continue to be one of the best defensive sides in the world. Which is why you simply can’t write them off.

Igor Akinfeev

Another goalkeeper who looks certain to make a great impression is Russia’s Igor Akinfeev. Ask any Russian expert who their most important player is and their answer is Akinfeev. It is almost a decade since he first represented his country and has become their most valuable player ever since. Still only 28, with 69 caps Akinfeev perhaps doesn’t get the credit he warrants yet this happens when your whole career has taken place in Russia. He has resisted the lure of a big move and stayed loyal to CSKA Moscow. Russia conceded only 5 goals in qualification, topping their group ahead of Portugal with Akinfeev a key part of that. Without real quality in attack if Russia want to do well this time around they will need Akinfeev's talent to help them through. 

Phillip Lahm

In the past decade we would be saying ‘watch and learn from the world’s best full back‘. Now in 2014 we are saying ‘watch and learn from one of the best pivots in the game’. Incredible really yet with Guardiola anything becomes possible and Lahm has been a revelation in the centre of the pitch this season. With Gundogan out and Schweinsteiger and Khedira both struggling with fitness a midfield which looked to have depth now looks set on having Lahm as their key man. This is not a problem, in fact it may just what Germay require. As good as Schweinsteiger has been these past few years he is too slow now and in the heat of Brasil this will zap him of energy. He was a liability at the 2012 Euro’s yet Lowe has pushed sentiment aside in order to help Germany achieve success this time. Lahm may be the key piece to this formation. It will be fascinating to see him control games for Germany.

Gary Medel

A move to Cardiff was interesting and ultimately a failure for the player. One of the most dynamic and tactically interesting players in the tournament Medel is the key for Chile’s system to work. Following on from the work of the tactical genius Marcelo Bielsa Chile's coach Jorge Sampaoli looks set to entertain and confuse many people this summer. Their fluid system offers many attacking options and with their high tempo attacking game it will cause sides problems. Yet it is defensively where they are liable and it is little surprise when you consider Medel, standing at 5ft 7in is their central defender. But this is the genius of the system. Medel is their libero, their deep lying playmaker and he seeks to come out with the ball and start attacks. In fact Chile have very few out and out defenders in their side. They are a team of midfielders and forwards. Medel will be fascinating to watch because he may be the key for Chile’s system to work.

Gary Cahill

Two years ago the mere suggestion of having Gary Cahill starting in England’s defence would be seen as worrying. To have him in this list would be laughable. Yet his progression at Chelsea playing predominately next to John Terry has seen him become one of the best in Europe. It is a proof that to be the best you need to play for a top club and be surrounded by quality to help and guide and Cahill has thrived from this. However he now needs to be the leader of England’s defence. Comfortable with the ball he will help England build out well, yet importantly he will need to organise his midfield ahead of him to make sure England can deal with counter attacks and are screening passes effectively. His role will be more than just heading and tackling, he needs to be capable of being the defensive leader England needs. Can he deal with the pressure when it really matters?

Stephan Lichtsteiner

The Swiss wing back has been one of the most consistent players in Europe these past several years. Signed for Juve in 2011 from Lazio the right wing back has been key for Juve’s three Serie A titles and a player who works perfectly in the 3-5-2 formation of Conte. At 30 years old this may be his last World Cup and he is fortunate because there is genuine quality in Switzerland’s squad this time. There are lots of admirers of Fabian Schaer in defence, as well as Gokhan Inler and Xherdan Shaqiri in midfield and Lichsteiner’s attacking runs will be key for to bring out the best in Shaqiri who likes to come in from the right onto his left foot. Overlapping runs will help create more space and 1v1 opportunities for the Swiss playmaker which is why Lichsteiner will key to the attacking phase as well as helping keep the Swiss defence secure. He is one of the most energetic players in the competition and will be a key player for Switzerland.  

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