27 Feb 07
Originally posted by RagnorakBit of a Roy Keane fan then?
The only thing that gives me pause in naming Roy Keane the best defensive midfielder in the world is the fact that this under rates his ability. He was quite simply, the best midfielder in the world. Only his own mind (helped by his growing age) and his manager, pigeon holed him as a defensive midfielder. His aerial ability (for a small lad 5' 10"😉 was u ...[text shortened]... Greatest Player Ever, and my prediction: Greatest Manchester United Manager Ever. 🙂
D
27 Feb 07
Originally posted by GinoJAn extremely under-rated defensive midfielder not named here so far.... David Batty.
Claude Makalele or Edgar Davids or?
I was never bothered about him (maybe 'cos he was at L**ds), didn't really rate him at Blackburn... but when he moved to Newcastle I believe he played some of the best football of his career.
...and one from a while back...Trevor Hockey.
01 Mar 07
Originally posted by Dolphin55Right. Also, I believe that Lothar Matheus was a sweeper too. 😕
don't forget that Bobby Moore RIP was a centre back as well 🙄
He is more a versatile player though. He can play any central position in defense.
However, Tony Adams is not fast and agile enough to play DM positioin.
...and yes, Bobby Moore is a is a central defender too.
01 Mar 07
Originally posted by blade68Batty's problem was that he under rated himself! His defensive qualities were always great but in big matches with great players alongside he was guilty of too many sideways passes.
An extremely under-rated defensive midfielder not named here so far.... David Batty.
I was never bothered about him (maybe 'cos he was at L**ds), didn't really rate him at Blackburn... but when he moved to Newcastle I believe he played some of the best football of his career.
...and one from a while back...Trevor Hockey.
I agree later in his career he took the ball forward more, but nowhere near as well as Keane, viera, Davids etc.
01 Mar 07
Originally posted by GinoJMatthaus was only a sweeper at the end of his career (which was a long ending, but still). 😕
Right. Also, I believe that Lothar Matheus was a sweeper too. 😕
He is more a versatile player though. He can play any central position in defense.
However, Tony Adams is not fast and agile enough to play DM positioin.
...and yes, Bobby Moore is a is a central defender too.
By the way, best sweeper ever? May the devil choose between the great Franco Baresi and the magnificent Beckenbauer.
01 Mar 07
1 edit
Originally posted by petrosianpupilMost DMs are plain, quiet, hard-wokring players. They play modestly, short simple passes, they run a lot. They're the dynamos of the team. They are the secret heroes.[edit] To illustrate my point, after Makalele left R. Madrid for example, the team struggled a lot in team defense for a long time.
Batty's problem was that he under rated himself! His defensive qualities were always great but in big matches with great players alongside he was guilty of too many sideways passes.
I agree later in his career he took the ball forward more, but nowhere near as well as Keane, viera, Davids etc.
They are not as flamboyant as attacking midfielders.
Diego Armando Maradona vs Claude Makalele. The difference is ridicilous.
01 Mar 07
Originally posted by GinoJI agree with all that.
Most DMs are plain, quiet, hard-wokring players. They play modestly, short simple passes, they run a lot. They're the dynamos of the team. They are the secret heroes.[edit] To illustrate my point, after Makalele left R. Madrid for example, the team struggled a lot in team defense for a long time.
They are not as flamboyant as attacking midfielders.
Diego Armando Maradona vs Claude Makalele. The difference is ridicilous.
The difference with most traditional english DM's and the real greats is their ability to play clever short balls AND run into space when their team gets the ball. Hargreaves is great defensively but does not always make himself available. Batty used to be in space and would pass to a player who was marked. But Keane would always move the ball forward and commit an opponent before passing; Not enough for it to be a risk of a tackle; but enough for his opponent to gain momentum in the wrong direction.
10 Mar 07
Originally posted by blade68as if u can label trevor hockey with midfield greats........LOL🙄
An extremely under-rated defensive midfielder not named here so far.... David Batty.
I was never bothered about him (maybe 'cos he was at L**ds), didn't really rate him at Blackburn... but when he moved to Newcastle I believe he played some of the best football of his career.
...and one from a while back...Trevor Hockey.
10 Mar 07
Originally posted by petrosianpupilyou have got to be joking!!?
[b]Not Davids, he would try to win the ball too often, good short passes but long ones?.
Viera and Keene were better than Davids.
did you ever see Davids in the 90s?
viere and keane are/were never better the edgar