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#2 Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng showcase the best, and worst, qualities of the classic modern defender
This, of course, comes with the disclaimer that neither Hummels nor Boateng were at their absolute physical peaks – which is why we will forgive them any mistakes they made in the taxing thirty minutes that is Extra Time.
It does, however, not detract from their performances over the 90. One look at the highlights reel, and you’d think both had brilliant games – and you would be right in thinking so.
Boateng made some crucial interceptions and blocks – none more so than that spectacular goal-line clearance from Sergio Ramos’ low heatseeker and Hummels too made many an eye-catching interception off, notably out-jumping Cristiano Ronaldo a couple of times when the Portuguese seemed to have peeled away.
That’s the thing, though. As with many modern defenders – these spectacular saves have given the footballing public the impression that they are great defenders.
They are not.
On more than one occasion, one of the two most centre backs in the world would switch off, mislay a simple pass, ball-watch instead of follow their man, go for the spectacular and fail where the simple would have often sufficed. Sharper finishing in the earlier stages of the game from Real Madrid would have have finished the game off and ruined all of Ancelotti’s best-laid plans.
The two of them are really good defenders, but as with most of their peers, they need to understand the eternal truth of the defender – over the long run, consistency trumps the spectacular.
