Capitano Giorgio Chiellini (61 Viewers)

MikeM

Footballing Hipster celebrating 4th place with Tuz
Sep 21, 2008
12,834
I've always been a huge fan of Chiellini. I think his defending instincts are incredible. I still think he's a rare breed of defender who is fearless and really adept at winning challenges in the box.

But it's becoming increasingly obvious to me that your team can't function in today's game with a CB that cannot handle the ball. Many years ago it didn't matter if any of your CBs could handle the ball. Then you needed just one that could handle the ball. Nowadays I think you need two CBs that can handle the ball.

There is too much pressure from forwards and from teams as units. At least in Europe. Italy, of course, is one of the last leagues to look for forwards with work rate so Chiellini is saved some embarrassment on weekends.

A few years ago all he had to worry about was being overly physical with forwards that were not interested in running unless a goal scoring opportunity presented itself. Now it seems he has to deal with everything but that.
 

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DelPiero no10

Junior Member
Aug 19, 2013
283
Which world is that?
This current world. He's a proper defender who takes no prisoners. Is a wonderful tackler and reads the game really well. Has great recovery pace too. He plays next to a defender who barely does any real defending and yet we barely concede goals. He's a machine and this critique of him is hilarious imo. i want my defenders to be able to defend. This obsession with ball players at the back is what leads to the likes of arsenal conceding 3 goals vs monaco.
 

Badass J Elkann

It's time to go!!
Feb 12, 2006
68,909
This current world. He's a proper defender who takes no prisoners. Is a wonderful tackler and reads the game really well. Has great recovery pace too. He plays next to a defender who barely does any real defending and yet we barely concede goals. He's a machine and this critique of him is hilarious imo. i want my defenders to be able to defend. This obsession with ball players at the back is what leads to the likes of arsenal conceding 3 goals vs monaco.
hmmm

 

MikeM

Footballing Hipster celebrating 4th place with Tuz
Sep 21, 2008
12,834
You need some semblance of both. Like Barzagli. If Chiellini could at least kick with his left, nevermind his right, it would be great.
 

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