Reasons Why Defenders Are Underrated in Football

In this article, we’ll be focusing on defenders in football. As the game saw a lot of changes throughout history, so did the players’ roles. A faster, more offensive style of play is one of the reasons why defenders are underrated in football. We also mentioned many of the greatest defenders in history and what they accomplished at the highest level individually. During the 20th century, defenders had a very important role in all team sports. Attackers tend to get more recognition and credit. In most sports, the classical era is seen as more physical. This era lasted until the mid-1990s unofficially. When it comes to the highest individual awards in football, only two defenders have won the Ballon d’Or in the past. While nowadays they are sometimes underrated, defenders in football are still in a better position than keepers.

Beasts of the Past

Although the list of the best defenders of history is long, only two have won the Ballon d’Or at least once before. Franz Beckenbauer, considered the greatest defender of all time, won the award twice, in 1972 and 1976. Der Kaizer also finished 2nd twice and 3rd once in the Ballon d’Or voting.  The only other defender who has won the award is Fabio Cannavaro. Additionally, Cannavaro won the FIFA World Player of the Year award as well. Both of these awards are covered by online sportsbook sites in the UK.

Addressing Ruud Gullit and his Ballon d’Or winning season

Many players described Gullit as the most complete player of all time. He could play as a defender, as a midfielder, or as a forward. The Dutch international won the Ballon d’Or award in 1987 but we didn't include him with Beckenbauer and Cannavaro. Gullit, as capable as he was as a defender, didn’t play a single game in a defensive position during the 1986/87 season. The 2022 World Cup is just around the corner, so make sure to check out our World Cup Group A predictions to see the Netherlands’ chances.

Additional Podium Finishes in the 20th Century

The classical era of football was more rewarding for defenders. While no defender has won the Ballon d’Or apart from Beckenbauer in the 20th century, there were many podium finishes. In 1957, Billy Wright finished 2nd, the only defender to make the podium in the 50s. The 60s saw Karl-Heinz Scnellinger, Giacinto Facchetti, and Franz Beckenbauer earn 2nd or 3rd positions between 1962 and 1966. Beckenbauer dominated the next decade. Apart from winning the Ballon d’Or twice, he also finished 2nd twice. Bobby Moore and Ruud Krol were the only ones to make it into the top three, in 1970 and 1979 respectively. Paul Breitner and Franco Baresi finished 2nd in 1981 and 1989. The last two defenders to earn a podium finish was Andreas Brehme in 1990 and Paolo Maldini in 1994.

The Turn of the Century and Football’s Evolution - The Main Reason Why Defenders are Underrated

Over time football changes and evolves like everything in this world. During the 1990s, football slowly started evolving into a faster-paced game. By 2000, the sport has reached a level like never before. The game started to become much faster, flashier, and more entertaining. With the rise of Brazil’s talents, Real’s Galacticos, and Seria A domination in the early 2000s, the world of football changed forever. The faster-paced, attack-focused football of today is the mean reason why defenders are underrated. As for the individual awards, the scene looked slightly distressing. Roberto Carlos came 2nd in 2002. The next year Paolo Maldini followed him with a 3rd place finish. Apart from Cannavaro a few years later, no defender has made it into the top three of the Ballon d’Or voting between 2006 and 2019.

The Ronaldo and Messi Ballon d’Or era - Why are Defenders Underrated in Football?

Between 2008 and 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi won a total amount of 12 Ballon d’Or awards. During this era, only one defender made it into the top three once. Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk finished 2nd in 2019, missing out on the award by just seven points. Many consider Van Dijk to be the best defender in the world right now. Check out 888sport for betting markets on the center-back and Liverpool.

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