In the fast-paced sport of football, a player’s ability to adapt can make or ruin his career. Numerous elite athletes have seen major changes in their on-field roles over time, with some positional adjustments greatly improving their results. These changes frequently reveal latent abilities, enabling players to take advantage of new game mechanics and increase their value to their teams. For many football players, these shifts have been crucial, whether it’s a winger switching to a central position, a defensive midfielder turning into an attacking force, or a full-back taking on a more creative role.
This article examines the top 20 players who improved after switching positions, emphasising how their adaptability and versatility enabled them to achieve greater career success. These players, who have transformed their jobs and had a long-lasting effect on the field, range from elite playmakers to defensive rockstars.
1. The Striker-to-Winger Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry, the iconic frontman for Arsenal, started out as a winger. Henry moved to a central striker position under Arsène Wenger’s tutelage, and his quickness, skill, and finishing made him one of the most dreaded forwards in football history.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (forward with a wrist)
Cristiano Ronaldo began his career at Manchester United as a winger before moving into a more centre offensive position at Real Madrid. He was able to concentrate on scoring goals as a result of this shift, which helped him set various records and win multiple Ballon d’Or awards.
3. (Left-Back to Winger) Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale first displayed his lightning-fast speed and potent shot when playing left back for Tottenham Hotspur. His ability to attack was unleashed by moving to the flank, which resulted in a well-publicized move to Real Madrid.
4. Andrea Pirlo (Deep-lying playmaker to attacking midfielder)
Andrea Pirlo’s switch from an attacking midfielder to a deep-lying playmaker at AC Milan and later Juventus highlighted his vision and passing prowess, cementing his status as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
5. Sergio Ramos (Right-Back to Centre-Back)
At Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos discovered his real calling as a centre-back after beginning his career as a right-back. He was a defence legend due to his leadership, skill in the air, and aptitude for scoring important goals.
6. The central midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger
After switching from the wing to centre midfield at Bayern Munich, Bastian Schweinsteiger was able to dominate games with his passing, endurance, and tactical acumen, emerging as a vital member of the team and his nation.
7. Lionel Messi (False Nine’s Winger)
At Barcelona, Pep Guardiola’s choice to use Lionel Messi as a false nine transformed the position and unleashed a new level of goal-scoring and playmaking genius, which resulted in an unparalleled degree of success.
8. David Alaba (Midfielder/Left-Back to Centre-back)
David Alaba’s versatility allowed him to play a variety of positions at Bayern Munich, including midfield and centre back, demonstrating his versatility and all-around football abilities.
9. Striker-to-Winger Robin van Persie
At Manchester United and Arsenal, Robin van Persie thrived as a striker despite beginning as a winger. His shrewd movement and deadly finishing made him one of the Premier League’s leading scorers.
10. Joshua Kimmich, a central midfielder who plays right back
Joshua Kimmich became one of the finest in the world in his new position after switching from right-back to central midfield at Bayern Munich, where he was able to use his passing range, vision, and tactical acumen.
11. Vincent Kompany (Centre-back to Defensive Midfielder)
At Manchester City, Vincent Kompany’s transition from defensive midfield to centre-back was crucial. His leadership and defensive sturdiness were essential to City’s ascent to prominence.
12. Attacking midfielder to central midfielder Luka Modric
Because of his deeper role at Real Madrid, Luka Modric was able to use his creativity and set the pace of games, which greatly aided the team in winning many Champions League titles.
13. Ronald Koeman (Centre-back to Midfielder)
A vital member of Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team,” Ronald Koeman’s move to centre-back at Barcelona demonstrated his defensive prowess and goal-scoring talent from the back.
14. Paul Scholes (Central Midfielder Forward)
Paul Scholes, one of Manchester United’s best centre midfielders, started out as a forward. His midfield goal scoring, passing, and vision were crucial to United’s victory.
15. Centre-back to midfielder Yaya Toure
Yaya Toure became a force in the Premier League after switching from centre-back to midfield at Manchester City, where his physical presence, passing, and goal-scoring skills were fully developed.
16. Bukayo Saka (right-winger to left-back)
Due to injuries in the team, Saka started out at Arsenal as a left-back. Although he accepted that playing left-back wasn’t his natural position, he saw it as a teaching opportunity. He eventually moved to a more advanced position on the right wing, where he has established himself as an important member of Arsenal’s squad as well as the England national team. Saka has stated his preference for attacking duties, highlighting his comfort and effectiveness further up the pitch, despite requests that he return to left-back to alleviate positional shortages.
17. Centre-back to right-back Jules Koundé
In order to meet FC Barcelona’s tactical needs, Jules Koundé, who is primarily a centre-back, has frequently been used as a right-back. Although he has done a great job in this position, Koundé has made it clear that he would rather play in the centre. He spoke with coach Xavi Hernández about this and stated that he wanted to play centre back again, which was his natural position. He nevertheless shows adaptability and teamwork by continuing to contribute wherever it is needed.
18. Aubameyang Pierre-Emerick (Winger to Striker)
Although Aubameyang began his career as a winger, he was more successful as a central striker. He became a top scorer in European football as a result of this adjustment, which enabled him to fully utilise his pace and finishing abilities.
19. Fabinho (Defensive Midfielder, Right-Back)
Fabinho started out as a right-back but had more success at AS Monaco and Liverpool after switching to a defensive midfield position. His ability to properly distribute the ball and disrupt opponent play has been essential to Liverpool’s midfield stability.
20. Ashley Young (full-back to wrist)
During his time at Manchester United, Young, who started out as a winger, was transformed into a full-back. His career at the highest level was prolonged by this change, and he adjusted well to the defensive duties, making contributions on both the offensive and defensive ends.
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