Football: Best defensive tackles and goal-line clearances of 2020
What's the story
Defensive tackles made by players in football is an art in itself. From throwing the bodies in and sticking a foot out to get the ball is often all about calculation. Besides, defenders and keepers are often seen making goal-line clearances to prevent the ball from going into the back of the net. 2020 was another year where these things were witnessed. Here's more.
Fabinho
UCL: Liverpool's Fabinho impresses as a makeshift defender against Ajax
In October 2020, Liverpool were up against Ajax in the Champions League group stage match. The Reds managed to hold on to a 1-0 victory against the Dutch side. Mid-fielder Fabinho, who was deployed as a central defender, impressed largely. The Brazilian made four tackles, besides a goal-line clearance after keeper Adrian was somehow lobbed in his six-yard box.
James Milner
Premier League: Milner's goal-line clearance hands Liverpool crucial victory
In March, Liverpool's James Milner made a vital goal-line clearance to help Liverpool win 2-1 against Bournemouth. The clash saw Liverpool come back from behind. However, Bournemouth could have equalized when Ryan Fraser beat the Reds backline before chipping the ball over Adrian. Milner rushed to the back and acrobatically stuck his leg out to send the ball out of play.
Kane
Harry Kane saves Tottenham against Burnley
Tottenham earned a narrow 1-0 win against Burnley in the Premier League 2020-21 season. Son Heung-min scored the only goal after being assisted by Harry Kane. Notably, Kane showed his prowess in preventing Burnley from scoring. Burnley earned a corner and James Tarkowski rose the tallest to head the ball towards the net. However, Kane made a game-saving clearance off the line.
Twitter Post
Kane's game-saving clearance against Burnley
A game-saving clearance 💪
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 27, 2020
👊 @HKane #THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/aeCm0hG683
Tackles
Premier League: Defining tackles by Silva and Evans
Chelsea's Thiago Silva made a brilliant tackle to deny Manchester United's Edinson Cavani a goal in the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. Mason Greenwood's sublime pass saw Cavani reacting quickly to shoot, however, Silva made a sliding tackle. Leicester, who beat Arsenal 1-0 in October, saw Jonny Evans sliding in to make a defining tackle to prevent Hector Bellerin from assisting Alexandre Lacazette.