He played a large number of games as a centre back, I don't see how it is relevant to counter my point my saying he also played in midfield. My point was that he is relatively short, yet still was a centre back for one of the world's best teams.
Shane Long is short(ish), but he is very effective in the air. Aerial presence isn't always down to size, it is how you attack the ball, the willingness and timing to do so and the size of the leap you have.