FORMER EFL DEFENDER AND FOOTBALL CONSULTANT
Guy Branston

I’VE believed for several years now that defensive midfielders make excellent central defenders in the modern game.
The role has changed immeasurably since my days at centre-half. It’s not an aerial game anymore. Heading has all but gone from elite football and it’s much more about being able to step out and stroke the ball around.
You see that when you speak to managers or sporting directors. Ten or 15 years ago it was ‘Can I have a 6ft 5ins beanpole who can meet crosses and defend set-pieces’. Now it’s ‘I want someone six foot t...