Video: 12 slide tackles that make defending an art

5. Something of a Phillip Lahm trademark, the reverse slide tackle is a way of regaining possession in spectacular style. Lahm has Rakitic’s number here.

http://youtu.be/QHfy0G1VOTI

6. Steven Gerrard takes time out of his busy schedule to remind Phil Jagielka that he’s firmly in charge of the game. Twice.

http://youtu.be/dleIp8j_Ows

7. Alessandro Nesta again with one of the greatest slide tackles ever. The way he delays his lunge while closing the angle here is imperious defending. Lionel Messi should, by all accounts, outpace him but he gets nobbled instead. The Argentinian’s frustration shows how much he knows he’s been bested.

http://youtu.be/w6ik2G9TemM

8. One for Arsenal fans, Robert Pires pulls off a superb tackle from behind on ex-teammate Patrick Vieira to set up Fabregas.