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The art of defending in football has evolved, with modern-day defenders needing to contribute at both ends. While defensive roles haven't changed too much, the offensive role has undergone many changes. With defenders improving their ability on the ball, they are becoming key cogs in attack for their teams.
Many modern managers like Pep Guardiola are known for employing defenders with good ball-playing ability. However, being a good ball-playing defender is not just about making accurate long passes to build attacks from distance. They also need to progress the ball to complement the work of midfielders and overload the attack.
One of the best ways to determine the offensive carry of defenders is to measure the total progressive distance covered. A carry is the movement of the football for at least five meters from where the ball is first originally.
When the same thing happens in the opposition half, it is considered progressive distance carried. While many defenders in the world excel in offensive shifts, here's a look at five defenders who stand out for their ball-carrying ability:
#5 William Saliba
William Saliba has divided opinions of the Arsenal fanbase on manager Mikel Arteta's decision to loan him out.
While many feel it's correct to loan him for his development, some feel Saliba could have played a role at Arsenal this season. The claim is not entirely unjustified, considering how he has played for Marseille this campaign.
Saliba, who is on loan at the French club, has been one of the best defenders in Ligue 1 this campaign. The Frenchman has showcased great defensive skills, and has also shown his ability with the ball.
He is fifth on the list of defenders with the most progressive distance carried in Europe's top five leagues this season, garnering 3637 yards of progressive distance.
#4 Alphonso Davies
Alphonso Davies has had huge success at a very young age. Since his transfer to Bayern Munich, he has been on song, and is widely regarded as one of best left-backs at the moment.
The 21-year-old is known for his offensive output, as he is a nightmare for opposition defenders.
It's no surprise that Davies is among the top five defenders in terms of progressive distance carried in Europe's top five leagues.
He has accrued 3702 yards of total progressive distance this season. Thanks to his ball-playing ability and offensive output, the Canadian has made six assists in 23 games this season.
#3 Pau Torres
Pau Torres has been making a case for himself in the last few seasons as one of the top ball-playing defenders.
The stylish Spanish defender exhibits tremendous control over the ball, and is known for his accurate long passes. He is equally good at carrying the ball into the opposition half. So it's no surprise he has been on the radar of some of the biggest clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Villarreal will be thankful that Pau Torres has decided to stay at the club this season. He has been a key player for them this season. Although he has yet to register a goal contribution, Torres is ranked third with 3767 yards of progressive distance carried.
#2 Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias is one of the top centre-backs in the world right now. Since his move from Benfica, Dias has been stellar in defence.
Post the retirement of Vincent Kompany, Manchester City have lacked a leader at the back. Dias has seemingly addressed that, and has looked better than any other defender at the club.
Dias' greatest asset is his ball-carrying ability and game-building skills. In Guardiola's system, there is a massive requirement for defenders to be good on the ball, as the build-up happens from the back.
Suffice to say, Dias has been the perfect cog in the well-oiled City machine. With a significant distance of carrying the ball in the opposition half. Dias has the second-highest total progressive distance (4110 yards) in Europe's top five leagues this season.
#1 Aymeric Laporte
At his best, Aymeric Laporte was undroppable in Guardiola's team. He used to play the role Dias now does with perfection. However, a lean patch and inconsistent performance saw Laporte put on the backburner.
The Spaniard, hailing from France, has seen a resurgence of sorts of late, though.
Laporte has grabbed headlines with his steady performances this season. He has complemented Dias well at City at both ends.
Pep Guardiola's gameplan can be understood when the top two defenders with the most progressive carrying distance in Europe's top five leagues are from Manchester City. This campaign, Laporte has tallied 4373 yards, the most among defenders across Europe's top five leagues.
