Definition
Ball-Playing Centre-Back
1 definition submitted by the community
1
A centre-back who's good with the ball at their feet, able to play through a press and start attacks with forward passes. Modern systems that build from the back need defenders who can handle pressure and find teammates in tight spots. You still have to be able to actually defend, but now you need passing range and composure too. It's changed how clubs scout and develop defenders.
John Stones' transformation under Guardiola exemplified the ball-playing centre-back role - he went from an error-prone defender to one who could comfortably receive under pressure, drive into midfield, and pick out passes that started attacks.
Robbie
Jan 26, 2026
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