Agree with both you guys, X-Off and Max. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) This is defensive stability the likes we have not seen since the days of Maldini, Nesta, Cafu and Stam. As long as Nesta can give an year or two more, I'd love it, love it, love it. Hopefully Mexes and Silva develop a good understanding too, and we can be set for another half a decade.

He's very good...though he has some moments where he completley drifts out of position and attacks anyone with the ball.One of the few flaws I've noticed about him.

When did this exactly became the defenders thread? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I blame Danny. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) fwiw I do thoroughly rate Silva too, best defender around imo.

But when you describe the best players in a league, most eyes form on creative skillful forward-thinking players, rarely defenders or DM's.

For example, if you were talking about the best 5 players on earth, many would give the astounding Michael Essien a shout because as far as DM's go, he's untouchable. But he'd never be awarded anything because it's all about strikers and creative midfielders/wingers.

Agreed, but times are a changing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) The way the game has gone now in the last 5-10 years, defenders are starting to get much deserved attention. Maybe not at the turds-at-FIFA-and-UEFA level, but general fans do think a good, solid defense is very much needed. Part of it has to do with the lack of quality defenders too.

Back in the good old days, a lot of players had good techniques. Now? The standards have fallen. Hence, a good defender like Silva catches the eyes of not just casual fans, but opponent clubs too. I do get what you're saying though, and most of the times it's just the attacking bunch that get all the plaudits.

Michael Essien is a different case. A few years back he was an absolute beast. The best by far. Now not so.

Great discussion guys. Yeah I agree that for a long long time Essien was the best cm/cdm in the world. Also agree that it's an under appreciated role. Thinking about past greats like Roberto Carlos, Maldini and Davids who simply because of the nature of their role never truly got the credit they deserved. I guess as kids they always put the more skillful ones to attack and it pretty much stays that was FOREVAAAAR (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Agreed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) The thing with great defenders (like great poets and writers) is their true worth becomes plain evident when they've retired (or dead, in case of poets and writers, even painters, artists). That's when they are missed. I can recall a lot of defenders who have grown in stature after they've retired.

Franz Beckenbauer, I am sure was appreciated when he played, but when he said goodbye, the world stopped and noticed. I guess Maldini was right when he said defending is a thankless job. Even a good DM does not get deserved attention. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Thing is, people usually watch football games to be entertained, just a little bit of magic. Attackers and creative players can much more easily provide that magic by scoring goal or curving a free kick.

But hey, I'll always love the players back in the engine room, as much (or more than) as strikers.

Depends on perspective I guess.

Sheva: "If Pato should play vs. Juventus, then I'm sure that he will make the difference."

Oh Sheva (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

The current Sheva has more chances of making the difference against Juve than the current Pato. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

What? How so?

Because Pato is that bad. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

I'm all for giving him a fair chance. Think he deserves it.