JOSH PECK says defensive midfielders have taken away the essential art of defending

DEFENDING across the world has become a lost art over the last few years.
Gone are the days of Jaap Stam, Fabio Cannavaro and Tony Adams, figures who commanded their back lines and struck fear into opposing forwards. And I think I know why.
In fact, I think I can lay the blame on one person, or two at a push.

Claude Makelele was undoubtedly a superb player. He was so good they named him twice. No wait, that’s Eric Djemba-Djemba. Makelele was so good that he had a position named after him.
No pl...