The central defenders. The last line before the goalkeeper. Expected to win headers, make tackles, read the game, and increasingly play out from the back with composure on the ball. A great centre-back partnership is the foundation of any title-winning team. Terry-Carvalho, Vidic-Ferdinand, Van Dijk-Matip.
"The centre-back read it perfectly. Stepped out, won the header, and played it out from the back."