Defensive Contribution Quotes

I want to have an impact on the game. Instead of a sack, how about an interception for a touchdown? I could get 15 tackles. I'm just using those as examples, but any kind of impact would be fine, whether it's a sack or anything else.

There is no second baseman in the game who can turn the double play better [than Mark Lemke]. Why are people always looking for offense at that position? What's more important is getting outs, and turning the double is a huge factor in getting outs.

I'm satisfied with the way I play, but I don't evaluate my performances. I worry about what I can contribute defensively. I don't need to score. As long as we win, I don't care how many points I score.

The physical side of my game - I know I'm hitting the stats I want to hit, but I want more assists and goals.

It bothers me that the average fan, the average sportswriter for that matter, pays so much attention to what's in a box score. A box score does not properly represent the most important thing - team play. It shows some guy scoring 27 points, but it doesn't show that my 27-point man let his guy score 30.

I can speak volumes about the guy sitting next to me. You look at his stat line tonight, he had a lot of foul trouble and didn't really get going, but when he was in there, he was defending. He was playing physical, and he was doing everything he could to help us win.

I've always said it, and the whole football world knows that Cavani is a centre-forward and that he has proven his worth in that position. Having said that, Cavani has shown other characteristics that can help the team, like winning the ball back, helping out defensively.

To be honest, it was only when I was first in the French Ligue 1 that my manager and other people started to say, 'Okay, N'Golo recovers a lot of balls.' Before that, I didn't consider it to be my job in the team.

As a full back, your role is just as much in playing in midfield, getting forward and creating chances, as it is stopping them at the other end.

I may not drive in 100 runs a year, but I can prevent 100 runs from scoring against us.

My position at Tottenham was in the centre of midfield, and I have played there for Croatia, I feel I am best there.

All coaches now look for forwards who not only score goals but also run back and help in midfield.

That's what most players know about me, that I can change the game without scoring or even having a good offensive night.

Maybe one of my strengths was to bring the energy to the team, and then defensively, I contributed a lot compared to other players, which is quite essential for the big matches; you know, against big clubs, you need to be very cautious with opponents that attack.