Where a defender is taken when disconcerted (5)
I believe the answer is:
aback
'where' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adverbs. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'a defender is taken when disconcerted' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' is found in the answer.
'defender' could be 'back' (left-backs and right-backs are football defenders) and 'back' is located in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for aback that I've seen before include "impeded by headwind?" , "dismayed to be taken thus?" , "Towards the rear (arch.)" , "To take someone -- is to surprise them" , "Sternwards" .)