Do you think that mastering only one position is just the best when it comes to football or do you think that we can’t confidently confidently list more than top 10 players playing multiple positions perfectly? Most people might think that it is not possible, but this article will greatly unravel both the act of versatility and utility.
Some football players will come with a particular statement, “jack of all threads, master of none“. As the world of football is greatly transitioning, it will interest me to make you understand that it brings its own changes, which can be confidently met by an adaptable personality.
Remember that one of man’s characteristics is adaptability, and with that, we raise a versatile being. You can take note of notable outfield football players who have even gone beyond the act of playing but also helping their team when they were needed to deputise for the goalkeeping department; can you see such a very big personality?
Let it not be like a fairy tale to us because we’ll be driving some of these our illustrations with notable examples and occasions where they happened. Kyle Walker of Manchester City, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Serge Aurier, Mamadou Sakho, and many more all played even as goalkeepers, though that’s not where our focus is on today, as we’ve solely brought this topic to help us know the top 10 players playing multiple positions perfectly.
These players, while acting as outfield players in a particular match, had to deputise in the place of their goalkeepers as a result of either their goalkeeper’s injury or in cases where the second goalkeeper was either red carded or injured or even cup-tied. Even though all of them
might not have stood between the sticks as their keepers would have done, but they still did well and stepped into the shoes to fill important hole when all hopes were lost.
Okay, back to the main topic of discussion, “top 10 players playing multiple positions perfectly“. Who do you think of or recall in your head when it has to do with recognised versatile players in the world of football?
Do you think of Philip Lahm, the cool and collected player? Do you think of James Milner, the man who’s known for his versatility?
TOP 10 PLAYERS PLAYING MULTIPLE POSITIONS PERFECTLY
1. James Milner
He has quietly distinguished himself from his contemporaries throughout his career, and that is why I will always refer to him as the master of versatility. Not only is he still going strong at 38 years old, but he has been used all across the pitch throughout his 20 years of playing. Bear in mind that most of his peers have long since retired.
Milner spent the majority of his 235 games as a centre midfielder, the remaining 183 as a right midfielder, and the remaining 86 as a left midfielder. However, the right-footed veteran played 72 games and became a temporary left-back after moving to Liverpool!
In addition, Milner made 34 appearances as a right-back and made a few appearances at other positions, including AM and CF. Remember, he has played for Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton and Hove Albion, even when many thought he would have hung his boots.
In talking about versatility, Milner will always be celebrated as one of the players to grace the term VERSATILITY, so earning him a place in top 10 players playing multiple positions perfectly.
2. Bernado Silva
A player under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage must possess versatility. However, Bernardo Silva continues to be a standout member of the Manchester City team and the Premier League. The younger kid would have been written off as being too little to play in the big, dangerous Premier League due to his stature until David Silva moved to England. Bernardo has won five titles as an offensive midfielder, but he has also performed well at other positions on the pitch.
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Bernado Silva solidifies his status as one of the world’s most versatile football players having played as an attacking midfielder, right winger, right midfielder, and centre midfielder. He has always shone so bright in these wings and that was why he was drafted into this our list of top 10 players playing multiple positions perfectly.
3. Antoine Griezemann
In general, and not just in terms of position, Antoine Griezmann is arguably the world’s most adaptable player. The Frenchman accomplishes everything: he tackles, presses, scores, and assists. He is helpful, though, because the manager can position him anywhere in the last third and he will do just perfectly fine.
Griezmann spent the most of his 198 games as a second striker, where he scored 92 goals and provided 42 assists. His 191 games, 62 goals, and 30 assists from the left wing came in close second. In 173 games, Griezmann contributed 35 assists and 84 goals as a full-fledged attacker. Along with playing 37 games on the right wing, the seasoned player also made 12 appearances in attacking midfield. However, in actuality, he can be located and found anywhere in the pitch.
4. Joshua Kimmich
Being a talented football player with versatility is one thing; being a top player at two very different positions is quite another. Defensive midfielder Joshua Kimmich began his career and played the most games (234), contributing 26 goals and 59 assists in that role.
But from 2015 to 2019, the 28-year-old German played for Jupp Heynckes, Carlo Ancelotti, and Hansi Flick, and he was among the top right-backs in the league. playing 111 games in this role, racking up 40 assists and 10 goals.
Even with his small body, dribbling or going past him easily is very difficult; remember, he has a very long range passing capability
In addition, Kimmich played 63 games as a centre midfielder. However, he has 22 games of experience playing defence.
5. Marcel Sabitzer
Marcel Sabitzer is also ranked among top 10 players playing multiple positions perfectly because not only has he played a variety of positions, but he has also, played six different positions in a season!
Although his biography emphasises his position in central midfield, he actually played the most games—135—at right wing. Afterwards, there were his 113 CM outings. However, Sabitzer also made 57 appearances as a left flank, 47 as an offensive midfielder, 44 as an SS, and 39 as a centre forward!
The Austrian has played both as a DM and at right midfield! Manchester United can testify of his reliability because he tucked into spaces and offered versatility in many games.
6. Dusan Tadic
Due to his ability to play anywhere on the offensive line, Dusan Tadic provided both his clubs and his country with a great deal of tactical flexibility. This sparked debates about his strengths.
These are still going on, but the statistics indicate that he was used 288 times, primarily on the left wing. 113 games on the right wing, 76 matches as an offensive midfielder, and 70 games as a centre striker came next.
To be fair, though, Tadic typically assumed the role of a false nine rather than a legitimate number nine, and this is what he does seamlessly.
7. Thomas Muller
Although all these players are adaptable, none so much so that they needed to design a new job specifically for him. Thomas Muller’s main job is as a Raumdauter, or “space explorer” in German; football is only an afterthought. However, the German’s versatility as an offensive player was a major factor in his rise to the top of the game.
Though age might not be on his side, when been called upon to occupy any of these roles, he does it so perfectly well that earns him a place in our top 10 players, playing multiple positions perfectly.
With 322 games played from this position, there might not be a more renowned supplementary striker in the twenty-first century.
However, Muller was required to play as the primary centre forward frequently—53 times, to be exact. Muller’s durability is also evident, as he appeared in 83 games as an attacking midfielder and 217 games at right wing. Muller adjusted as Bayern transformed throughout the years under different managers.
8. Ivan Perisic
The tireless Croatian’s other main asset that has notably attracted the attention of managers from numerous clubs is his adaptability, which has earned him a place in our top 10 players playing multiple positions perfectly. Perisic, who is equally adept with both foot, is still largely a left winger, having played 244 games there and contributing 66 goals and 61 assists.
With 131 games, the former Spurs player also played closer to his goal at left midfield. However, the veteran saw action in 43 games from the right wing as well.
Perisic also found himself across the field in smaller portions because he used both feet; he played in 18 games as an AM and less than 10 at CF, SS, and CM. Also, it might interest you to know that Ivan Perisic can play as a LWF, RWF, LB and RB.
9. Marcos Llorente
A more important participant who is simplifying Diego Simeone’s life, and making it to our top 10 players playing multiple positions perfectly is Marcos Llorente. Similar to Antoine Griezmann, Marcos Llorente is an elite athlete, which facilitates his switch-ups between positions.
However, this adaptability mostly demonstrates his tacit ability, which is often overlooked. The Spaniard, by trade a defensive midfielder, made 106 appearances there.
Additionally, he has also appeared in 86 games as a central midfielder, slightly up the field. In Cholo’s 4-4-2 formation, he may have had his best season when he was used as a right midfielder.
Llorente has further experimented with many positions, playing in 20 SS games, 18 AM games, 12 right-back games, and even 6 games as a substitute center-back. His wealth of talent has pushed him to dine with the greats when it comes to versatility.
10. Adam Marusic
Last but not least on the list of our top 10 players playing multiple positions perfectly is Adam Marusic. He may not be as well-known as the other nine players in the rankings, but he is nonetheless deserving and underappreciated. The 31-year-old skilfully fulfils the demands of Lazio in every manner while managing to feature in 247 games for the team. He played as a right wing-back, full-back, midfielder, and winger overall during his career. Playing the majority of the 97 games in the midfield (66 as an RB and 43 as a RW).
However, the quick-footed right-hander also made a huge transition by playing on the left wing. As a left defender, wing-back, midfielder, and winger as well, while accruing 82 games as a left-back, 29 as a left midfielder, and 33 as a winger. Also, the Montenegro international of Serbian descent participated in 12 games as a CB.
Finally, on this very interesting post on top 10 players playing multiple positions perfectly, we want you to know that adaptability gives rice to versatility and when you are versatile as a football player, you not only win your manager’s heart but also your teammate’s heart.
Another advantage you can get from being versatile is that you’ll get lots of playing time under your belt as the manager knows that he has a player who can plug certain loopholes found in the team should there be any injury.
Do you think we captured some versatile players you ever loved?