When we applaud quality football, it's usually the attackers that get the credit. The skills of the midfielder passing the ball, dribbling past players, getting in crosses and the strikers, scoring impossible or even simply crafted goals.

However the art of true quality defence is one that few truly master and it is one that is a vital ingredient for enduring success in any team. Ledley King is without question, one of the finest exponents in the Art of defence of the modern era. He ticks All the boxes and but for an unfortunate chronic injury, he would have still be playing both at Premiership and International level.

Boxes ticked.

Ability to read the game and respond ahead of time to quash an attack,

Incredible timing in his tackling and interception of the ball Just look at his tackle on Robben in the penalty box, that was not luck, That was Timing.

Speed and agility across the spectrum, chasing forwards, backwards, sideways, always holding his balance, Always tracking his quarry down.

Commanding presence and leadership. Every player on his team knew he literally Had their Back and every opposing player knew he had their number.

Quality use of the ball once retrieved from attacker, he never hoofed the ball up the field, he had such space and time and sharpness of mind that he found the pass to springboard an attack.

Consistency- enough said, you knew what you would get from, him in every game=100%.

So now the baton is passed on to Vertonghen and as evidenced by his form at Ajax, he too is a formidable Leader and defender. Ledley is staying on at the club and I hope he has a role to play in inspiring and coaching our present and our up and coming defenders. They could have no better teacher.

It's up to you Vertonghan to rally the troops and marshall our defence, you have quality wing men and the legend that is King at your back.