Every great team of the past had one. Roy Keane at Manchester United. Nigel de Jong at Manchester City. Michael Ballack at Chelsea. The aptly named 'bad boys' who would put their bodies on the line and commit the necessary fouls for the benefit of the team. Whether it be to stop a menacing looking counter attack, or to add a bit of spice to the game that would cause their opposition to lose their heads (as well as their focus on the game itself), these kinds of players become crucial...
Source: 90min.com