In modern culture the only truly cherished anchorman is Will Ferrell. On the football pitch, strikers grab the headlines, wingers dazzle the crowds and even defenders evoke a manly roar from supporters when they put their body on the line.

What about the defensive midfielder? Those devoted few whose sole function is regain possession while resisting the urge to flock forward. Even since the departure of Rafa ‘two holding midfielders’ Benitez and Claude ‘big tackle’ Makelele, the Premier League has favoured the Namby Pamby ball-retention footballers such as Joe Allen and Leon Britton.

No more I say, sure we have Scott Parker and Lucas but both appear to be rapidly disintegrating on the sidelines. Plus, I think Liverpool fans would forget their Brazilian lynchpin pretty quickly if Xabi Alonso or Javier Mascherano ever returned to Anfield. Nevertheless I have decided to compose my top ten defensive barricades that I think deserve praise in print, even if they rarely receive it from the stands.

Click on Sandro below to start the countdown

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