Best Third/Middle Centre-Back over the last 20 years - Poll of the Day (29th Sept)

Post by **1964white** » Tue Sep 29, 2026 7:21 am

A difficult poll which requires a third dual-purpose centre-back.

I have selected CBs who have played in a three, plus a couple of names I haven't included in the previous CB polls.

Also, I included converted full-backs who often played in a centre-back role.

Pascal Struijk appears again as he often played on the right side of Liam Cooper.

The Subhuman · Post by **The Subhuman** » Tue Sep 29, 2026 7:53 am

This is tough because we've only really played the sweeper under Farke over the last year.

Not Struijk this time, he was awful right side, I think the missing name this time is Kalvin Phillips who Bielsa played as a DMF/Sweeper hybrid. Kalvin dropping into a back three on defence. It's the role I'd love to see Ampadu play tbh.

Bijol should win as he's the only one who's played that role extensively for us. Llorente I'm struggling to recall playing in a 3 but he has all the attributes of a quality sweeper. Berardi was excellent as a centre back but was it a three? He basically replaced Pontus for a while IIRC..

If it's just the best player to play CB in a two then it's White

I've gone for White

Post by **1964white** » Tue Sep 29, 2026 11:52 am

Ben White for me.

Cjay · Post by **Cjay** » Tue Sep 29, 2026 12:19 pm

Should be Bijol imo.

Exceptional last season.

Nostalgia may get White the vote playing for us in the Championship I suppose.

Post by **1964white** » Tue Sep 29, 2026 7:22 pm

Anymore votes?

Carrick Dave · Post by **Carrick Dave** » Tue Sep 29, 2026 10:39 pm

1964white wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2026 11:52 am Ben White for me.

Did White ever play for Leeds in the middle of three CBs?

Post by **1964white** » Wed Sep 30, 2026 6:25 am

Carrick Dave wrote: ↑Tue Sep 29, 2026 10:39 pm Did White ever play for Leeds in the middle of three CBs?

No he didn't, Dave.

For that reason, and he was only on loan to us in the championship, I'm going to change my vote.