How To Defend Like Paulo Maldini: The Greatest Defender Of All Time? – Tactical Theory

Who is Paolo Maldini?

Few players can boast the longevity of having matched up against both Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In fact, only one player comes to mind.

His name is Paolo Maldini.

Though he played in a different era, Il Capitanos brilliance on the pitch leaves us with timeless lessons in defending.

This tactical analysis is part retro scouting report, part tactical theory.

Well explore the core principles that made Maldini the defender he was, highlighting those characteristics for a contemporary audience.

By the end, we will have concrete ideas to take with us to the training ground, whether as coaches or players.

Before progressing to the article, know that Maldini is the only highlighted player in this analysis.

When you see a player with a circle underneath him, thats our guy.

Furthermore, since these are classic matches, the picture clarity is not as high as that of current matches.

That said, Ive chosen games that generally feature higher picture resolution and a wide tactical view.

Unfortunately, there is no Maldini vs Maradona in the tactical analysis.

Watching that one on video is much better than seeing the battle through still images.

Paolo Maldini Tackling & physicality

This seems like an outdated starting point for a man who, according to The Suns analysis, averaged only 0.56 challenges per game during his storied 25-year career.

However, starting with his tackling and physicality will give us a sense of the player and the warrior he was.

Maldini famously said, If I have to make a tackle, then Ive already made a mistake.

Lets start with his mistakes.

Watch any Maldini highlight reel; youll find a ferocious defender who flew into sliding tackles.

A buddy of mine used to start every game in Maldini mode, which meant he laid out an opponent with a strong tackle.

For anyone who hasnt watched much football from the 1990s and early 2000s, getting stuck in and sliding into bone-crushing tackles was the norm.

Though the officiating has tightened up to eliminate some of the more career-threatening challenges, we can still learn fundamental principles from Maldinis tackles.

To really get a glimpse of the Italian at his best, my research consisted of matches against Europes top clubs in pivotal games.

First, we have Maldini vs Luis Figo and the Galacticos of Real Madrid.

Transitioning from a second defender to a first defender role, Maldini identified the limited space available to Figo.

Quickly applying pressure to the Portuguese winger, Maldini influenced the timing of Figo’s action.

This is the first key to defending, making the where and the when predictable.

Knowing where Figo was going and influencing the ‘when’, Maldini showed excellent quickness in his response and did well to use his right hand and arm to make contact with his opponent.

Leading with the arm is pivotal.

Firstly, it helps the defender maintain his balance.

Secondly, well-directed contact will p