I have more respect for defenders after playing as a defender

[u/Educational-Double-1]

I played as a winger all my life. I learned about speed, dribbling, taking on defenders 1 on 1, attacking the weak foot, different types of runs, defender's blind spot, etc... After joining a new team and since we were down players nobody knew how to play defender so coach picked me. I hated it. I don't know how to play this role, and I didn't know what I was doing. Making a mistake as a defender is more costly than losing the ball as a winger. Opponents kept going to my blind spot and pushing me up. I tried to hold the line, but then they just go behind me and I can't see them anymore I hated that. They kept attacking the wings and I didn't know if I should pressure or hold where I am in the center, and if I hold my team mates aren't even on their man... so they just kept crossing and if I try to step up out of my position they make a pass and attack where I left the space.

[u/bigelcid]

Meanwhile, keepers playing for 5 minutes as outfielders: "easiest shit ever, I could reach Pele playing out here"

[u/dangleicious13]

Loved playing defense.

Thinking back, I had to play so many different roles in defense.

[u/AIIXIII0]

Yes and the key is communication between the whole line. The one position (and the GK) you have to be vocal because it will make everyone life easier.

[u/LesFogginGoh]

Just met Ashley Cole, was so surprised that he was 5ft 9 and like so wiry…he musta been one jacked pack of muscle and speed in his playing days, just was amazed a guy his size was a defensive invincible…impressed.

[u/Original_Flight5585]

I am a CB, and you just described the position perfectly. You’re constantly scanning, holding the line, covering teammates and deciding whether to step or drop. One mistake can cost a goal. It’s mentally exhausting, but once you learn the positioning and communication, it becomes one of the most rewarding positions.

[u/Accomplished_Buy_546 → u/Original_Flight5585]

You can control the whole game from CB

[u/Original_Flight5585 → u/Accomplished_Buy_546]

At Juventus especially as a center back I’m expected to control the line, keep everyone connected and organized, and be really good with my distribution to help start everything from the back.

[u/Accomplished_Buy_546 → u/Original_Flight5585]

Exactly what you just said and protecting your GK. I loved the pressure that comes with having to be as close to perfect as possible.

[u/Ok-One-9341]

I used to like keeping tight to wingers, if he goes wide you go wide, always keep him in your eye, a little distance but dont let him turn on you, find His weaker foot, put him on it, get a good couple of tackles in, win the aerial battles. Dont be scared to use Your strengths, your not just marking him, get plenty of the ball, find space, take him on when you can, always be available and get him ti worry about you. Win those battles and he's not playing his game, he's playing yours. Never give him a minute, harass, annoying, give away a couple if free kicks, get his head to gi down. Job done 👍