Michael and Marcus are joined by James Horncastle to discuss the evolution of the centre-back from Des Walker and Paul McGrath to Rio Ferdinand and David Luis.

The Mixer Podcast Ep.3 - Centre-backs

In this 8-part podcast to accompany his book The Mixer: The Story of Premier League Tactics, from Route One to False Nines, author, Guardian and ESPN journalist and editor of Zonal Marking, Michael Cox talks to Marcus Speller of The Football Ramble plus a guest panellist about the tactical development of the Premier League focusing on a key position each week.

Professional

Sports & Recreation

Sports

Mourinho, Guardiola, Conte, Ferguson, Wenger,... rounding off the series, the team talk about managers from the tracksuit motivators and man-managers to the sophisticated, tactical aficionados.

The Mixer Podcast Ep.8 - Managers

The team talk about the evolution of the striker from Sutton & Shearer to Henry versus Van Nistelrooy to Suarez and Aguero,

The Mixer Podcast Ep.7 - Strikers

Cantona, Bergkamp, Le Tissier, Zola, Kinkladze, Juninho - the team talk Number 10s.

The Mixer Podcast Ep.6 - Number 10s

Marcus and Michael are joined by Tom Williamson to talk about a position that has evolved significantly during the Premier League era: the winger.

The Mixer Podcast Ep.5 - Wingers

The team cover the midfield engine room: Keane v Viera, "the Makelele role", the Gerrard - Lampard conundrum, and the emergence of Kante.

The Mixer Podcast Ep.3 - Centre-backs

Download our free app to listen on your phone