BURTON Albion’s rock solid defence has been major factor in the club’s success this season, says Nigel Clough.
The Brewers have conceded only 19 goals in League One, the best record in the division, and the Albion manager believes that has been a vital component in becoming the league leaders.
He said: “There’s a good understanding and when you do play together that many times it really helps. In a lot of ways it is the most important element of the side. You needs strikers to create or get you a goal but if you can get a goalkeeper and back four that is settled and know each other, that can be a massive help.
“They also don’t need rests like your strikers do. You might have to change your strikers or wide men, but there’s no reason if they are fit that your keeper and back four can’t play the whole season.
“The key to is it that they all understand each other’s strengths and balance each other out. And you have a very competent goalkeeper behind them. It’s a lovely balance we have and they really complement each other.
"It’s also vital to have players like Anthony O’Connor who can cover several positions. You need someone who can cover at centre half, maybe full back in an emergency. We hope the back four are going to stay fit but even if it’s just half an hour, it’s important we have someone who can step in."