In this episode of the TFA Podcast, host Adam Scully is joined by Rangers Academy analyst Caio Miguel as the pair discuss the role of defenders in possession since the great Pep Guardiola revolution of 2009.
The duo take a look at goalkeepers, fullbacks and central defenders, speaking about the development of each position, the player profiles needed to fulfil each function, why functionality at the back is so important for positional play, the purpose of functionality with the backline, what the future holds for each position and how this all relates to relationism too.

![Manchester City Vs Brighton [1–1] – Premier League 2025/2026: Why Pep Guardiola Tactics Dominated But Failed To Win – Tactical Analysis 2 Man City Vs Brighton 20252026](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Man-City-Vs-Brighton-20252026-350x250.png)
![Burnley Vs Manchester United [2–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: The First Steps Of The Post-Rúben Amorim Era – Tactical Analysis 3 Burnley Vs Manchester United [2–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: The Red Devils New Ideas And Potential Tactical Changes – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Burnley-2-2-Manchester-United-tactical-analysis-350x250.png)

![Bournemouth Vs Tottenham Hotspur [3–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: Andoni Iraola Plan Exposes Spurs Problems – Tactical Analysis 5 Bournemouth Vs Spurs 20252026](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bournemouth-Vs-Spurs-20252026-350x250.png)



