How the game has changed

[Adi]

Good point there...

Nowadays, creativity seems to come from specific positions.  Attacking wingers for example.  We are seeing less of the Beckhams and more of the Messi's and Ronaldo's.  Players like Pedro and Di Maria are flourishing with their creativity down the wings.  On the other hand, players like Bentley are only having marginal success.

[Sule]

In regards to the Centre Backs, I meant that many years ago, CB's were the tallest, most badass thugs on the field. I think you'd be hard pressed to call a CB like Pique(for ex) a thug. In other words, CB's these days are not so much leg-breakers, but excellent readers of the game who can actually play with the ball at their feet

[Adi]

I see the change in center backs more along the lines of Tom, as I pointed out with my Mertesacker comment.  The defensive line as whole was higher up the pitch and defenders had to be more versatile and well rounded to keep up with strikers and the space behind them.  This is why I brought up Mertesacker.  A lengthy and slow defender like him would get abused too much in the old system.  With a 4-2-3-1 or 4-5-1, a defensive mid, a generally more packed midfield, and a deeper defensive line, Mertesacker has earned himself a role on a national team.

[moby]

I have to agree with Tom on the CB's

actually i think the complete opposite to you sule, center backs these days are all tall lanky built people, you'll never see a 5'11 center back,

[Sule]

meh guess im not watching enough footy

good centre backs are few and far between