Defenders get overlooked because it requires less talent to play defence than it does attack.
There are many world class attacking players, that would also make world class defenders. Where as I can't think of any world class defenders who would have made a world class attacker
Sorry but the statement in bold is utter nonsense.
I agree it takes less talent to play defence, in that any physically strong guy who kicks anything that moves could in theory do a job there, but that shouldnt detract from every centre back. You can play any idiot with pace on the wing or as striker but that doesnt make them a good player or detract from the positions of winger and striker.
If there is a world class striker who is world class at centre back then he is not striker, he is a freak of nature. To become world class at any position it takes years of experience and to have the right physical attributes for the position in the first place.
I like my centre halfs to be the smartest guys on the pitch with the best football brains, to be completely comfortable on the ball, to have physical and mental toughness, timing in the tackle, to have vision and a good range of passing. Positional awareness and decision making only comes with experience and pace is a bonus, its not something I need in a centre back, I prefer them to have brains over speed.
I dont believe anyone has it all, there has never been a lightning fast dribbler, who can finish, that would be able to move into centre half and play like Baresi, its an impossibility. There has been plenty of great players who can do a job anywhere on the pitch, doesnt matter if they are naturally an attacker or a defender, but doing a job is one thing, being considered as the best in a certain position is another.
