CRAIG Deans played at the back in more than 100 national league games and the Jets caretaker coach reckons defending is a skill that doesn't get enough recognition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That is why is made a point of praising his back three - Nigel Boogaard, Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Johnny Koutroumbis - after the scoreless draw with Western United at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
The clean sheet was the Jets' first since a 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on November 30 - their last win.
After leaking 10 goals in the past four games, the Jets restricted Western United to a paltry four shots on goal.
"The one big positive from the game was the clean sheet," Deans said. "It has been a while since we have had one of those.
"People don't realise - all the strikers in the world will laugh at me - but defending is a skill. It takes skill to be able to use your body correctly, read the game well to know when to make a challenge and when not make a challenge. Nikolai and Nigel were excellent and Johnny Koutroumbis was not far behind them."
Koutroumbis, who struggled earlier in the season at left fullback, came in for Lachy Jackson at right stopper.
"It is good to see Johnny playing again and looking like he is enjoying being out there," Deans said. "The three of them at the back were comfortable. We were three-v-three for most of the game. We were prepared to take that risk and I though they did a really good job."
Boogaard made it personal with Western United striker, who is the most prolific goal-scorer in the league. The pair clashed throughout and Berisha hardly fired a shot.
At the other end, the Jets peppered the visitor's goal, launching 28 shots.
Western United coach Mark Rudan admitted his side was fortunate to take home a point.
"It was no different to watching Newcastle over the past few weeks. They have been extremely unlucky," he said. "The game is about moments, the game is about confidence and belief for the players. Maybe Newcastle are lacking a little bit of that. It is not through a lack of trying.
"They have always been a team who likes to get on the front foot particularly when Ernie Merrick was around. Even now they are creating a lot of chances. Against Wellington last week, against Melbourne City the week before. We knew what we were getting ourselves in for. As far as we were concerned, we withstood that pressure especially in the second half."
