Yorke voted best defender

The former Manchester United forward who was converted into a deep-end midfielder by coach Leo Beenhakker earned plaudits for his display in the 270 plus minutes of TT’s debut in Germany.

According to a release from FIFA : “There are some wonderful defensive talents on show at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany— with Roberto Ayala, Alessandro Nesta, John Terry to name but three. But the best defender in the group matches was actually a forward player converted to play as a deep-lying midfielder.

“For years Dwight Yorke was renowned for his striking ability and consistent marksmanship. At the FIFA World Cup, used effectively by Trinidad and Tobago in a defensive midfield role, he topped the rankings in terms of successful tackles made. “

Yorke was adjudged to have made 21 tackles — and also had 15 tackles made upon him, far more than any other “defending” player in the first three matches.

Second best was Ukraine’s Anatoliy Tymoschuk with 19 successful tackles made in 270 minutes.

Tunisia central defender Radhi Jaidi and Michael Umana of Costa Rica were next best with 18 tackles.

Further down the list came Croatia’s Igor Tudor and Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, both with 15 successful tackles.

Yorke, who at first admitted that it was a new experience to take up the role Beenhakker had asked of him, didn’t have much of a problem at the end.

“They say that the older you get in the game the more you are pushed back on the field and maybe that’s what been going on,” Yorke said.

“Obviously as someone who has played the game at a level that I have with Manchester United, you learn to adapt to different things and playing that role was something I adjusted to and I did what the coach wanted of me,” he said.

“I’m not getting any younger and making the contribution for the benefit of the team was the best thing for me.

“Germany had made us realise what a beautiful people and beautiful country we are. This is a moment we must all savour,” The Tobago-born player said.

“On behalf of the players and the staff we continue to thank everyone and we are continuing to enjoy it and savour for the rest of our lives,” he said.

Yorke was also voted the Budweiser “Man-of-the-Match” in TT’s 0-0 draw with Sweden in Dortmund on June 10.

And now he says he will wait for the phone to ring and until then he will enjoy the holiday.

“I felt that I can compete with the very top still and showing that and proving that was my intention. Whether people out there probably think I can do that then we’ll wait and see.

“When the phone rings, we’ll see if there’s an offer out there. At the minute I’m just going to go on holiday and rethink, gather all my thoughts of the fond memories of being in the World Cup and take it from there,” added the Sydney FC star.