5 Instances when defenders shone in attack

Roberto Carlos scored 103 goals in 855 matches overall“I shall live and die at my post... I am the shield that guards the realms of men...” These words that make up part of The Night’s Watch oath (A Song of Ice and Fire: Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin) could well be the oath football defenders pledge to every time they step on the pitch to protect that coveted goal post.Quite often, the limelight and the spoils of a match are shared by the glamorous lot of forwards and midfielders – those who race across the pitch, dribble past opponents, lend their name to a joyful tear-inducing assist and those who ultimately carry the bride home i.e. score the goal – winning or otherwise. These are the players you remember rather than those who silently, albeit powerfully, form the wall that looks to thwart the goal scorers.But then there are moments when a defender, while performing his primary duty admirably, breaks through the ranks to emerge as the prime playmaker – either through a stunning solo run or by creating the goal through a timely assist. These are defenders who have carved a name for themselves not just as a reliable guardian in the D, but who can also take the attack to the opposition and score when the opportunity arises.From among the many such attacking guardians, we take a look at the five that particularly stand out, in no specific order.

#5 Daniel Agger

It is not common today to find a footballer who will reject money and greater laurels due to unshakeable loyalty for his current club. It isn’t justified, either, to expect any footballer of this age to do so. Danish footballer Daniel Agger was built of a different make, though.

Having signed on for Liverpool in the year 2006 from his boyhood club Brondby IF, interest from teams such as Real Madrid and Barcelona meant little to Agger. He spent eight years at Liverpool to then return to Brondby, earning him a permanent place in the heart of the Kopites. Injuries laid low a career that could have reached great heights and even though he had significant flaws, he was a technically gifted player in the central defence that helped him stand out among the rest.

Not only was he able to maintain clean sheets, but he was also good on the ball and had been known to have a fierce shot. His very first goal for Liverpool in 2006 against West Ham was an indication of this fierceness; as with the ball at his feet and the pitch open in front of him he let a 25-yard screamer shoot forth from him, sending the Scousers into a tizzy. The goal went on to be voted as Liverpool’s goal of the season.