In the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to stop attacks during the game and prevent the opposition from scoring.
Centre-back John Terry (right) closely marks centre-forward Didier Drogba.
Edwin van der Sar, pictured playing for Manchester United during the 2010–11 season, is considered to be one of the pioneers of the sweeper-keeper role.
Paolo Maldini marking a player during a friendly match
Midfielder
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In association football, a midfielder takes an outfield position primarily in the middle of the pitch. Midfielders may play an exclusively defensive role breaking up attacks, and are in that case know
Defender (association football)
…style of play and tactics. The centre-back (also known as a central defender or centre-half, as the modern role of the centre-back arose from the centre-half position) defends in the area directly in front of the goal and tries to prevent opposing players, particularly centre-forwards, from scoring. Centre-backs…
Spanish midfielder Xavi was known for his passing and vision with Barcelona.
A box-to-box midfielder, Steven Gerrard has been lauded for his effectiveness both offensively and defensively at Liverpool.
Spain holding midfielder Sergio Busquets (16, red) moves to block a shot from Italian striker (9, blue) Mario Balotelli.
Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić was regarded as an emblematic "box-to-box" playmaker with Real Madrid.