As a central defender by trade, I wanted to try and find out why I always had far less Man of the Match awards than that of my other team mates that play in a variety of positions. For many years I have found that I naturally fitted into the right side of the central defence pairing, and had 121 training from the likes of Dave Kitson, and ongoing words of advice from my proxy god father, and Reading FC legend, Ibu Sonko.
Defenders (including to some degree goalkeepers) in UK football (and globally) tend to receive far fewer awards and plaudits compared to attacking players due to several key reasons:
1. Goal Contributions Dominate Headlines
• Football is heavily focused on goals, and attackers are the ones who typically score and assist. Since goals decide games, players who contribute directly to scoring are naturally more celebrated.
• Highlight reels, social media, and punditry often prioritise exciting attacking moments, such as goals, skills, and assists, over solid defensive work.
2. Lack of Visible Stats
• Defenders’ contributions (tackles, interceptions, clearances, positioning) are crucial but less glamorous than goals and assists.
• Many defensive actions, such as good positioning or blocking passing lanes, go unnoticed because they prevent danger rather than create excitement.
3. Attacking Players Win the Big Awards
• The Ballon d’Or and PFA Player of the Year are often won by forwards or attacking midfielders. The last true defender to win the Ballon d’Or was Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.
• Even in the Premier League, defenders rarely win the Player of the Season award. Virgil van Dijk (2018-19) and John Terry (2004-05) are among the very few exceptions.
4. Perception of Defenders as Less “Skillful”
• There’s a cultural bias that sees attacking players as more “gifted” due to their dribbling, passing, and finishing, whereas defenders are often seen as workhorses or enforcers rather than artists of the game.
5. Narrative and Marketing Influence
• Clubs, sponsors, and media focus on marketable stars who can sell shirts and engage fans. Attackers and creative midfielders fit this profile better than no-nonsense defenders.
6. Evolution of Football’s Tactical Trends
• Modern football tactics have emphasized attacking football, meaning more credit goes to attacking full-backs and midfielders rather than traditional center-backs.
• Even top defenders today, like Trent Alexander-Arnold, João Cancelo, or Achraf Hakimi, get more recognition partly due to their attacking contributions.
7. Defensive Errors Are More Noticed Than Successes
• A striker can miss five chances but still be a hero if they score a late winner. A defender, however, can be brilliant for 89 minutes but be blamed for one mistake leading to a goal.
Conclusion
While defenders are respected within the game, they simply don’t generate the same level of excitement or highlight moments as attackers, leading to fewer awards and mainstream recognition. However, top-class defenders are still revered within football circles, even if they don’t get the same individual accolades.
