Our defenders must be calm under pressure, able to communicate clearly, tactically aware of space and time, technically proficient with the ball, and willing to attack and take risks offensively.
Key Characteristics of a Defender
Ability to Slow Down an Opponent's Attack
Ability to Tackle Well
Anticipate What Will Happen Next
Assertiveness
Awareness of Weaknesses
A+ First Touch
Calm Temperament
Clear & Positive Communicator
Effectively Support the Attack
Focused Mentality
High Level of Core Strength & Fitness
High Level of Passing Ability & Range
Positional & Field Awareness
Strong Heading Ability
Strong Value of Teamwork
"Being a good 1v1 defender in every position allows your team to be more attack minded,
allowing players to be left further up the field"
" We want to attack the opponent non-stop when we have the ball, when we lose it, and when the opposition have it. Put another way, defense is our first offensive action" Jurgen Klopp
"It's hard to beat someone who never quits"