Here we show you some of the most fearsome defenders of all time
Defending is an art in football and you can’t be a defender until you are strong enough to face powerful players. There have been many defenders in football history who defended with their hearts out and scaring the hell out of great strikers.
But some of those defenders came into limelight because of their extreme aggression and fearsome gameplay.
When it comes to aggression, Sergio Ramos might be the first name that comes to your mind. He may be old now but there is hardly such a player that isn’t scared of the Spanish international.
Let’s now take a look at some of the craziest defenders in football history.
Top 5 Craziest Defenders
1. Pepe
Pepe is in the last years of his playing career as he will soon turn 40-year-old in February. His aggression may have decreased but he is always ready to fight the opposition whenever his team needs him.
The Portuguese has received a total of 12 red cards in his career so far. But his Real Madrid stint saw him become one hell of a defender. He was undoubtedly the most formidable player in La Liga, sometimes even for his own fans.
2. Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is, of course, the most aggressive player of all time. There is hardly any player who isn’t scared of this guy. He holds the record for most red cards received in football history, having collected a total of 28 in his career.
A photo of Ramos & Pepe has come out on the social media where they can be seen defending the ball against Frank Ribery. Real Madrid were really blessed with two of the greatest defenders to have ever graced the football ground.
3. Jaap Stam
Considered as Manchester United’s greatest defender ever, Jaap Stam made players shake in their boots. His defending technique was extremely intimidating, not to mention he could go to any heights to tackle the ball anyhow.
Teddy Sherringham once said: “He could pick you off with one arm and get the ball.”
4. Gennaro Gattuso
AC Milan were blessed with a defender like Gennaro Gattuso who would go to any heights for his team. But there happened to be some situations where he lost his mind and tried to show his strength even to his own teammates.
According to his teammate Andre Pirlo, Gattuso once tried to kill him with a fork over a prank.
One of his statements said: “Rino’s always been my favourite target, top of the table by some distance. This despite the fact that on several occasions he’s tried to kill me with a fork. During meal times at Milanello, we’d invent all sorts to torment him and put him on the spot.
5. Marco Materazzi
Do you remember the incident that happened to Marco Materazzi in 2006 FIFA World Cup? Zinedine Zidane’s World Cup dream ended when he headbutt the Italian defender over an intense argument.
He was nicknamed “Psycho” or “Killer” due to his playing style. Materazzi was a defender with brute strength who was known for his tight marking of opponents.