Who's the best football defender of all time?

Answer 1

I agree completely with andygurl except some additions/revisions.
1. He(Beckenbauer) invented the sweeper position essentially.
2. Maldini definetly deserves quite a bit of respect and while he may not have had the complete game Beckenbauer had. Maldini was one of the best "pure" defenders of all time.

Answer 2

I think Beckenbauer is correct. After Maradona, Pele and perhaps, Zidane, he has the next biggest impact on the game.

Plus, it was he that created this 'libero role' that others like Alan Hansen and Franco Baresi emulated.
The idea of the sweeper taking charge and bringing the ball out of defense, and launching an attack from there, was unheard of, until, Der Kaiser played it to much aplomb.

Like many great players, it is actually quite hard to pin down an exact role for him, such was his impact. He could operate in midfield and appear nonchalant. But if we have to give an exact role, than it is sweeper for him and accordingly, he will the best ever defender.

But if we want just a true blue defender than we must consider
others. But I think the outstanding 2, have come in our time, both aptly wear blue, in their national colours. Lillian Thuram of France, Juventus and now, Barcelona.
The other has to be Franco Baresi, although Maldini would figure closely, Baresi was something special.

That's my take anyway.

Answer 3

If you want just one, I have to say Beckenbauer, though he was able to attack as effectively as any other also. I don't think there was any position that he could not have played successfully. His tactics as a captain and ability to read the game were second to none and he was technically superb. He gave the sweeper position a whole new meaning not only by controlling his defense but by being able to counter attack quickly and effectively with precise passes and fluidity. I mean he was even played as a mid to counter Bobby Charlton in the 66 WC Final. He was a great thinker and reader of the game and executed his play with style. Before Beckenbauer changed this position no one had even thought to attack from central defensive positions. Yeah he was a revolutionist.

Answer 4

The Kaizer. Franz Beckenbauer. He played with a dislocated shoulder during a wolrd cup game. He lead Germany to glory in '74 at home over Johan Cruyff.

Answer 5

Paolo Maldini.

Answer 6

Roberto Ayala

Answer 7

Trifon Ivanov from Rapid Wien

Answer 8

most of them were italian, with the likes of Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro, Franco Baresi and Alessandro Nesta gracing the pitch. i think Paolo Maldini was one of the best ever though

i think Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto, and Ayala deserve a special shoutout too

Answer 9

Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto and John Terry.

Answer 10

Thats easy its definately the great Franz Beckenbauer
and Franco Baresi was cool too