Ronny Johnsen

If injuries had been kinder, Ronny Johnsen would probably be remembered with a much heavier voice in Premier League history. Sir Alex Ferguson rated him enormously, and it is easy to see why: tall, quick, composed and unusually comfortable in possession, he could play centre back, defensive midfield or full back without looking like a tactical emergency. In Manchester United’s 1998 to 1999 treble season, his intelligence and flexibility were priceless, especially in a squad built on rhythm, rotation and trust. He was not just a squad defender who happened to be nearby when trophies arrived. At his best, Johnsen had elite tools: recovery pace, aerial strength, calm distribution and the reading to defend in a high level team. The problem was availability, because injuries kept interrupting a player who had far more quality than his fame suggests. A classy, unlucky and seriously strong defender, one of those players coaches remember better than casual history does.