The role has changed immeasurably since my days at center-half. It's not an aerial game anymore. Heading has all but gone from elite football and it's much more about being able to step out and stroke the ball around.
You see that when you speak to managers or sporting directors. Ten or 15 years ago it was 'Can I have a 6ft 5ins beanpole who can meet crosses and defend set-pieces'. Now it's 'I want someone six foot tall who can handle the ball'.
The profile has completely changed and it's actually much closer to the traditional parameters of an old-fashioned No.6.
At Leeds, Ethan Ampadu is proving the point. The 23-year-old started the season as one of two deep-lying midfielders and looked top drawer.
Since Christmas, he's been covering at centre-back and looks every bit as assured.
Denne historien er fra March 31, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra March 31, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
NOLAN BIDS TO GIVE THE COBBLERS A REBOOT
NEW Northampton boss Kevin Nolan says restoring shattered confidence is his first priority at Sixfields.
'INCREDIBLE” MAGPIES HIT DONS HARD
NOTTS County boss Stuart Maynard hailed an \"incredible\" display after his side won at MK Dons.
100-UP HERO COOKS VALE
ANDY Cook was saluted by both managers after the Bradford striker scored a goal-of-the season contender in the Bantams' victory over Port Vale.
SUPER STAGS HUNT DOWN SORRY POSH
NIGEL Clough saluted his rampant Stags as Mansfield Nuted blew Peterborough away at London Road.
FLETCHER SPOT ON TO DEFEAT POOL & LEAVE BRUCE FUMING
STEVE Bruce slammed referee Ruebyn Ricardo for awarding Wrexham a late penalty against his Blackpool side from which they produced the winner.
LAMPARD HAS ROO FEELING SO SKY BLUE
FRANK Lampard admitI ted he has great sympathy with what counterpart Wayne Rooney is going through at Plymouth after their first managerial clash ended with a thumping Coventry triumph.
THORUP DELIGHT AS CITY BOUNCE BACK
NORWICH head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup will be looking to make it a Christmas double when his side entertain QPR today.
BULLISH EDWARDS DEFENDS HATTERS
'We did deserve a point'
Cullen brace sets a mark for Luke
LUKE Williams hailed a near-perfect performance by his Swansea side against QPR and hopes they can repeat the feat versus Luton today.
WARNE: WIN WILL GIVE US A BOOST
PAUL Warne admits his Derby side's win over West Brom will give them a much-needed boost as they prepare to host table-topping Leeds United this evening.
