5 of the best English centre-backs of the Premier League era
The English Premier League has for a long time been regarded as one of Europe's strongest leagues. A league that prides itself on physicality and hard work, its centre-backs have always been highly regarded.
Nothing typifies English football like a commanding centre-back who is very strong, tackles hard and competes actively in the air. The advent of the Premier League and the arrival of foreign influences in style and coaching have modified the makeup of the English centre-back.
Nowadays, they are required to be technically proficient on the ball as well as retaining the old attributes. This evolution has produced some of the finest English centre-backs in the nation's history.
Here is a look at 5 of the very best English centre-backs to have graced the Premier League in the last 2 years;
#5 Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)
The native Scouse, Carragher was a walking, talking embodiment of the English centre-back stereotype. Strong in the air and on the ground, the former England international turned pundit did not have a technical bone in his body.
What he lacked in technique, he made up for in strength, commitment, passion and a sneakiness that helped him compete with intelligent strikers. His wholehearted style got him into trouble on many occasions; he ended his league career with 70 yellow and 2 red cards.
In his defence, he played for a Reds team that only came close once to winning the league title in his 17 years of meritorious service.
He played in a Liverpool team that didn't pull up many trees (apart from the 2001 UEFA Cup and 2005 UEFA Champions League trophies). Carragher was never part of a Premier League winning side but his commitment and attitude earned him a place on this list.