I understand the importance and differentials between the two, but have they always been so strict?
I see so many people talk about how stupid some people are suggesting RCB’s to play LCB and vice versa, but I can’t remember previous generations being so limited, though perhaps that’s due to the lesser responsibility on ball playing duties?
It never used to be a thing, not in England anyway. In the past, very few centre backs were left-footed. Left-footers were traditionally more technically gifted than average, so they would usually be employed in more creative roles.