by James Tennant

Created on: November 19, 2009   Last Updated: December 24, 2009

The centre back is the lifeblood of any soccer team's defence. Seen as the best defenders the team has to offer, centre backs are tasked with keeping the defence in order, closing down opposition attacks and often leading their team as captain.

Centre backs have not changed in their role since soccer's inception. They are the strongest members of any team, usually tall as well. They have an important role on the pitch as the last line of defence before the goalkeeper and must be able to handle pressure. They are often extrovert in character and very vocal when on the pitch, as they must be to organise and lead their team mates.

Centre Backs must have:

Strength - To hold up the ball and to challenge effectively, the central defender must be very strong. To win headers and tackles, strength is also a key factor. Intimidation can be a great ally in soccer, and centre backs can certainly be very intimidating to face in a challenge. Being mentally strong in defence is also a huge attribute to have.

Height - This is not a requirement, but an asset. The taller a defender is the easier it is to win headers. The defender will also be more imposing for the opposition to face adding to the intimidation factor mentioned above. Not all the best defenders are tall however.

Excellent ball control - This is key in defence. The ball is constantly being hit towards defenders and not always by their team mates. Therefore ball control, be it on the head, chest, thigh or foot must be of a very high quality, especially as the defender will be under pressure.

Soccer intelligence - An intricate knowledge of the game, and how it should be played is important for defenders. Often the leaders of their team, and always the leaders of their teams defence, these players must know how to organise a successful defence. They must also know what to do in any situation.

Great leadership qualities - To gain respect from their peers, and to organise and keep a disciplined defence, the centre backs must have good leadership qualities. They have to keep other players in line and make themselves heard. The centre back must also, especially if he is captain, help to pump his team up when morale is low and get them playing at a higher intensity.

Excellent tackling - The most obvious of attributes for a defender. The centre back must be comfortable and competent at tackling. They must know what type of tackle to use, when to use it and with what force to administer the tackle with. All sound simple, however mastering these skills takes years of practice.

The centre back has one of the most important roles on the pitch. It is a role given to those only with great talent and experience. A coach will pick his best and most reliable defenders for this position and it is one that carries with it a heavy burden of responsibility that only the mentally tough will succeed with.

The centre back is an uncompromising and daunting player for an attacker to face. It is said that all great teams are built from the back (the defence), and it is the case that all the best teams in the world, have truly great central defenders at their core.

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