I played in defence but could also play in midfield or up front. They're world class footballers - why would it matter that a player is a defender? They CAN have amazing technique. Not all but some do. If they had bad first touch, they'd be conceding a lot more goals
No, seriously, they are world class, but world class with their defensive positioning and tackling, they aren't world class on the ball. With many top defenders their technique is really at times no better than part time players.
I've played as an center back too. You do get ball playing center backs but any of the best partners i worked with were big, no nonsense old fashioned ones with little or no technique.
One of things i really enjoyed in PES 2011 and even though the idea was good and the execution was rather robotic, was dubbed the 'grandad turn'. There aren't too many 'ball playing center backs' at the top level. You have Lucio, Pique, Ferdinand, Vermaelen, Kompany (heavily versatile)
There others like Kosceilny, Kolo Toure etc..
Even top center Backs like Vidic, Puyol, Nesta, Pepe who have modest technique. You watch them on the ball, they do not try anything fancy, no sharp turns or feints whatsoever. I mean Puyol does play at right back at times where he started out but again he won't try anything remotely fancy because he dosen't have the technique and the precision required when on the ball.
Of all the center backs i mentioned. Vermaelen, Pique and Kompany are pretty comfortable on the ball. while I'd say Lucio is the only one who could take it past 2-3 players and even score from a run.
That's what i love about PES. Knowing you players limits on the ball. With FIFA. at times it's ridiculous when you could take it past 6-7 with ease with a center back because they can turn like anybody else. I even stuck a keeper upfront and he could turn on a six pence.
With my Master league team in Sunderland, i have been trying to change their playing style and buy center backs with good technique (above 75 and approaching 80) So i can play like Arsenal, where most if not every player is comfortable on the ball. I don't want a game in which even players like Ryan Neilsen who is a great center back but has no technique being able to turn with ease.
Just saying it' very, very important for me. It really brings out huge individuality in ball handling. Even for players like Sessengion who has amazing stats for everything apart from.. wait for it.. technique (
78)! So you can run at players with him and beat them, try tricks. but you can't get away with doing those lightning turns that you can with Robben, or Messi etc.. He's a very typical sort of African player. Great pace, power and all round game but his technique is a little lacking!