Defensive Rocks: Paolo Maldini – Milan’s Il Capitano
Italian football has long viewed defending as an art form. Whilst cultures elsewhere view pragmatism as a negative, Italy has found the beauty in…
Defensive rocks
7 articles
Defensive rocks
Defensive Rocks: Rio ‘Rolls-Royce’ Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand lacked little when it came to being the complete centre-back. Both elegant and athletic, he was capable of bettering forwards with speed,…
Defensive Rocks: Carles Puyol – A Catalan colossus
As Catalan cheers serenaded the newly-crowned European champions at Wembley in 2011, Carles Puyol removed the captain’s armband from his sleeve and placed it…
Defensive Rocks: Sol Campbell – The immovable Invincible
Just one moment can be enough to leave the lasting memory of a Premier League footballer, regardless of all else achieved in the game.…
Defensive Rocks: Lucio – O Cavalo
Brazilian football has long been celebrated for its unique style, one which encourages expressionism and excitement. The essence of football in Brazil is flair,…
Defensive Rocks: Jip Jaap Stam, a big Dutchman
Sir Alex Ferguson made precious few mistakes during his managerial career, his judgement rarely faltering during an unprecedented period of success at Manchester United.…
Defensive Rocks: Sami Hyypia – A Finnish man mountain
Sami Hyypia’s arrival at Liverpool did little to capture the imagination of the club’s fanbase. Arriving from the Eredivisie for a modest fee, little…