Top 3 successful short centre backs in modern football history

In football, there are many different attributes which make players succeed. For a striker, speed, strength, and a good finishing ability is ideal. For a central defender, strength and height is pivotal in succeeding in the role. While this is not a must, players in this position with the said attributes have a big advantage.

They are able to deal with aerial balls better, and keep the strikers at bay. Height is also crucial when it comes to attacking set pieces. In modern football, there have been players who have succeeded at the centre back position despite being limited in height.

The players highlighted here have not broke into the 6 foot cadre, which is the ideal starting height for a central defender. Despite this, some of these players have gone on to win the biggest accolades available in world football.

They did not let this limitation hinder them from succeeding in a role that primarily demands vertical advantage over their opposition. For a long time, the world was dazzled by their prowess in a position no one would give them a chance in.

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#3 Javier Mascherano

Despite his height, Mascherano succeeded at centre back for Barcelona

The Argentine international had a promising career at Liverpool when he was a defensive midfielder. In 2010, he had a huge step up to Spanish giants Barcelona. This was a team with super talented players in every position.

Due to some positional structures and difficulties, Mascherano was forced to play at centre back. This was an unfamiliar role, and his mere 5 ft 8 frame did not make his case very solid. He was selected more regularly as an unorthodox centre back, and even played a starring role in that position as Barcelona beat Manchester United 3-1 in the 2011 UEFA Champions League final.

From his second season at the Nou Camp, he played primarily as a centre back, and cemented that position alongside Gerard Pique. Mascherano went on to play a big part as he won 19 titles at Barcelona, including 5 LaLiga trophies and the UEFA Champions League twice.

#2 Fabio Cannavaro

Cannavaro went on to represent Italy in 4 World Cups

The Italian is considered the best defender of his generation. At 5 ft 9, he lacked what is viewed as an ideal centre back physique. No one could ever imagine that a player like him would command defences in top clubs. These included - Juventus, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan among others.

Cannavaro went on to represent Italy in 4 World Cups, including captaining the side as they lifted the 2006 edition in Germany. Following his performance at the World Cup, he won the FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or award, which was a rare feat for a defender.

Cannavaro was also instrumental for Real Madrid as they wrestled control of LaLiga from Barcelona with 2 consecutive wins (2006 and 2007). He has also won over 10 individual awards, including Serie A Player of the Year in 2006. He is an epitome of hardwork and dedication, despite his height limitation.

#1 Carles Puyol

It is without any doubt that Puyol cemented his legendary status for club and country

The former Barcelona and Spain international is regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time. Puyol is billed at 5 ft 10, but commanded that central defensive position with great strength. Puyol enjoyed a hugely successful career.

Puyol was bred at Barcelona, and played his entire career there. He went on to make over 600 appearances for the club. At national team level, he is one of the players to have reached 100 caps for Spain. He was part of the golden generation that won back to back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, and he also lifted the World Cup in 2010.

At club level, he won 20 titles with Barcelona. This included 5 LaLiga titles, 3 UEFA Champions League titles, and the FIFA Club World Cup twice. It is without any doubt that Puyol cemented his legendary status for club and country, and has been a proper servant of the sport. He set the tone for other shorter players to step up in the central defence position.