5 players who rejuvenated their career with a positional change

Sergio Ramos in action for Spain
Sergio Ramos in action for Spain

#3 Bastian Schweinsteiger

Bastian Schweinsteiger in Bayern Munich colours
Bastian Schweinsteiger in Bayern Munich colours

Regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Bastian Schweinsteiger has won every possible trophy in the game.

A product of the Bayern Munich academy, Schweinsteiger began his playing career as a winger. He had some off-the-field issues as a youngster, but his talent was undeniable. However, his inconsistent performances on the wing saw him being used as a central midfielder, where he thrived.

The Germany international was a technically gifted player with good passing, creativity and leadership ability. Bayern Munich fans refer to Schweinsteiger as "Fussballgott" (football god), and he is a bona fide club legend.

The 36-year-old made 500 appearances in all competitions for the Bavarian giants, scoring 68 goals and providing 100 assists. He left the club in 2015 to join Manchester United for a fee of £8 million, but struggled to get going there. After a spell with Chicago Fire, Schweinsteiger retired in 2019.


#2 Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos could leave Real Madrid soon
Sergio Ramos could leave Real Madrid soon

It is rare for a defender to be a talisman for his club side, but Sergio Ramos' presence tends to provide a boost to Real Madrid.

One of the best centre-backs to have played the game, Ramos has enjoyed a sensational career at the very top, and it doesn't look like he is going to stop soon. The Spain international, who captains both club and country, could soon depart Los Blancos, with his contract expiring in the summer.

Ramos played as a right-back during his early days as a professional footballer. He made his name at Sevilla, and once he joined Real Madrid in 2005 for a fee of £24 million, he started being utilised as a centre-back by the club. Ramos' speed, physicality, technical ability and goalscoring knack have all been crucial to Real Madrid's success.

The 35-year old has made 670 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid and has scored an astonishing 101 goals. He has been linked with a move to Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.


#1 Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry is one of the greatest players to have played the Premier League
Thierry Henry is one of the greatest players to have played the Premier League

Arguably the greatest player in the history of the Premier League, Thierry Henry was a frightening footballer to play against during his prime.

Henry began his career as a winger, with his pace and technique seen as ideal tools to play on the wing. After a poor stint with Juventus, Arsenal paid £14.5 million to sign Henry in 1999, and the France international started playing as a striker for the Gunners.

A highly creative striker, Henry bamboozled opposition defences with his offensive play. He made 376 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 228 goals and providing 104 assists. He won the Premier League Golden Boot four times, and played a key role in the "Invincibles" side.

"At a certain point, I wanted to go to Wenger and tell him to put me back out wide. Then, I said to myself that I had to react, that I couldn’t fail a second time, only a few months after a negative experience in Turin."

Henry departed Arsenal in 2007 to join Barcelona. After three seasons with the La Liga giants, he played for New York Red Bulls in the MLS. The 43-year-old retired in 2014, and started a coaching career. He has managed AS Monaco and Montreal Impact.


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