These midfield hard-men and tacticians made life miserable for anyone brave enough to face them.

Weighing in on the perpetual Cristiano Ronaldo/Lionel Messi debate, Rio Ferdinand memorably pleaded with UK audiences during a punditry stint to avoid comparisons and “just enjoy ’em, man.” But ...

The role of the defensive midfielder has evolved significantly in recent years. What was once primarily about breaking up play and making crunching tackles is now a position that demands more: not ...