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Modern-day football is an ever-changing beast. For any footballing side wishing to play a possession-based style, there is a necessity for your goalkeeper and defenders to be two-footed and comfortable when in control of the ball.
Milton Keynes Dons are a shining example within the football pyramid as to how teams will explore every possible avenue to climb higher.
Looking back the previous 11 years at Stadium MK, excluding only one managerial selection, all incumbents have been young and exciting appointments, backing up chairman Peter Winkelman’s desired high-intensity, passing style of play.
In regards to the ball-playing-defender position, it has been clear that whenever the search for new recruits begins, no longer is the main requirement that they can head the ball clear, an imperative asset is to remain composed in possession and have assuredness with the ball at their feet.
Gone are the days where a defender’s contribution only lies in defending and clearing their lines, they now hold a strong responsibility for developing and complementing the attack.
Within the current ranks that manager Liam Manning has at his disposal, are two highly sought-after centre backs in Warren O’Hora and Harry Darling.
Both tall and powerful defenders are more than capable of retaining and rotating possession under a heavy defensive press, it is no surprise that as a new transfer window opens, rumours begin to circle of potential interest.
Both arrived in Milton Keynes from very differing backgrounds, with O’Hora initially joining on loan from Premier League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion and Darling signing having cut his teeth in League Two Cambridge United. The pair have formed a solid defensive trio alongside stalwart and Captain, Dean Lewington, now aged 37.
Due to both O’Hora and Darling being only 22-years-old, the pair will have found the last twelve months an important learning curve alongside the veteran Lewington, who has over 850 appearances to his name.
Being able to call on that amount of experience and knowledge can only be a good thing in the development of their careers in Buckinghamshire, all three were been entrusted with wearing the captain’s armband during 2021.
The key to playing as a three-man defensive unit is covering a multitude of roles, Manning operates with two ball-playing-defenders and one Regista, a defender who breaks the lines and carries through the opposition lines.
Normally within this setup, Manning uses Darling as his Regista with O’Hora and Lewington on either side, but when either is unavailable, others are more than capable of filling in.
The three have started as a defensive trio on 18 occasions so far this season out of a possible 23 matches, and this consistency in selection has helped their side record a number of impressive defensive displays, most notably keeping high-flying Wycombe Wanderers goalless to earn all three points and most recently earning a New Years’ Day clean sheet by shutting out Gillingham.
Former Republic of Ireland U21 International, O’Hora, has made 62 appearances during his time in Buckinghamshire and he has remained steadfast, dominant in possession and has worked manfully in keeping six clean sheets for his side in the League this season.
Darling, who only arrived at Stadium MK last year, immediately became a fan’s favourite, despite having only played 48 times since joining. The tall defender, with an eye for making a marauding forward run, has earned seven man of the match awards for his stellar performances.
The last thing that Manning would want to happen, given the congested fixture list throughout January, would be injuries and suspensions, yet, in the form of Zak Jules and Aiden Baldwin, he does have two versatile options.
Whilst Jules and Baldwin would both provide a solid option as defensive cover, being made regular starter in a side aiming for League One promotion may be a bridge too far.
With the knowledge that more sides up and down the country are changing their style of play to one which is an intensive team press when off the ball and a possession-dominant one in possession, defenders capable of playing such a system are, now more than ever, a prized commodity.
Bearing this in mind, Manning’s starring defenders are fast becoming some of the hottest names on the lips of teams in higher divisions, namely Darling who is rumoured to be attracting the attention of a host of sides including Sheffield United, Swansea City and Huddersfield Town.
Much will rest at the feet of director of football, Liam Sweeting, to have ready-made replacements to be brought in, should either move on to pastures new.
Heralded for his transfer dealings, Sweeting’s ability to unearth talent prior to moving on valued assets, such as when Scott Twine joined to replace the influential Scott Fraser after his switch to Ipswich Town, will be highly important in filling any newly-created vacancies.
However, until such a situation arises, Manning and his supporters can remain confident that the future looks bright with a healthy balance between experience and youth, should the squad stay together. If there are sales, the finances involved will certainly allow room for manoeuvre.
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