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The Premier League has always been filled with players who can play in multiple positions. It is a blessing for the managers to have players who can offer them such quality.
In today's era, being versatile not only helps you stand out but can often be a game-changer for the player. Manchester City's summer signing Jack Grealish is the best example of this. The Englishman can play both on the wings and centrally, having more unpredictability to his game.
Some Premier League full-backs can play in multiple positions
In a way, today's game demands versatility more than it ever did before. In a league like the Premier League, it adds a whole new dimension to a player's game.
We have seen some natural full-backs play various roles both at the back and in midfield. The Premier League has a handful of such full-backs who have played in different positions over the years. On that note, let's take a look at some of the most versatile full-backs in England's top division:
#5 Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Nelson Semedo came through the youth system of Sintrense in Portugal. He was later on signed by Portuguese giants Benfica. It took time for the dynamic full-back to get a start in Benfica's senior team but once he did, there was no looking back.
His first season at Benfica was hampered by a knee injury but he capitalized on the opportunities the following season. Semedo played an integral role as Benfica claimed their fourth consecutive league title win.
His impressive performances earned him a transfer to Barcelona. Primarily a right-back, Semedo was at times used as a left-back at the Catalan club to take the place of the injured Jordi Alba and Junior Firpo. The Portuguese defender was equally effective on the left as he played an important role in helping the Spanish giants win the 2017-18 and 2018-19 league titles.
The 27-year old joined Wolverhampton Wanderers last season and has been a regular starter for them. At Wolves, Semedo has played both as a right-back and a right wing-back. His ability to play in multiple positions on the right and left side of the pitch makes him a valuable player for the Premier League club.
#4 Kieran Tierney (Arsenal)
Kieran Tierney's love for Celtic tempted him to play for them. He signed for the Hoops at the age of six. The Scot did not take long to develop and was soon recognized as a very effective and able full-back.
Tierney has made 170 appearances across all competitions for Celtic, scoring eight times and assisting in 37 other goals. Over time, he gained a reputation for being a very reliable figure on the left side of defense. His attacking game also got better with time.
Tierney's stunning performances earned him a move to Arsenal in the Premier League in 2019. The Scottish defender struggled with a dislocated shoulder in his first season in 2019 but played more regularly last season. The 24-year old can be effective as a left centre-back, a left-back and a left wing-back. His versatility could be very helpful for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta going forward.
#3 Oleksandr Zinchenko (Manchester City)
The Premier League does not have many Ukrainian players these days but Oleksandr Zinchenko often makes you wonder why. Having started his career in the Russian Premier League with Ufa, Manchester City were quick in signing the young left-back back in 2016.
Zinchenko was immediately sent on loan to PSV Eindhoven. After spending a season on loan, the young full-back returned to City. Ever since then, he has been a part of a successful squad under Pep Guardiola.
The Spanish manager has intelligently used Zinchenko in different positions. With his abilities, the Ukrainian can play as a left-back, wing-back, and also as a midfielder. In fact, he plays as a central midfielder for the Ukraine national team.
With Benjamin Mendy suspended by Manchester City, the 24-year old is bound to get more time with the Cityzens. Zinchenko will be keen to make the most of his opportunities this term.
#2 Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
From one Manchester City player to another, the Premier League champions have quite the versatility at the back. Joao Cancelo graduated from Benfica's youth academy and was sent out on loan to Valencia in 2014.
The Spanish club signed the Portuguese on a permanent basis the following season. Having spent three seasons with the Bats, Cancelo was sent out on loan to Inter Milan for the 2017-18 season. He did well with the Italian giants and was named in Serie A's Team of the Year.
Sighting his impressive performance, Juventus signed him in the 2018-19 season. It was with the Old Lady that Cancelo was recognized as one of the best full-backs in the world. His fame earned him a move to Premier League heavyweights Manchester City in 2020.
The Portuguese full-back did not get much game time with injuries in his first season but had a solid impact last season. Despite scoring twice and assisting in three other goals, Cancelo's contribution was more than what the statistics say. He always possessed a threat going forward with his fine dribbling, effective crossing and passing ability.
What's most amazing about the former Benfica man is his effectiveness playing on either side of the pitch. Cancelo can play as a right-back, right wing-back, left-back, left wing-back and can even play as a winger if needed. With so much versatility, the 27-year old has already been a success in the Premier League.
#1 Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Cesar Azpilicueta and versatility both go hand-in-hand. Graduating from the Osasuna academy, the Spaniard spent three seasons with Los Rojillos. After that, he joined the French club Marseille.
The former Osasuna right-back spent two seasons with the Olympians, establishing himself as a reliable full-back. This instigated a chance for him to play for Chelsea in the Premier League. With the London club successful in getting his signature, it was a massive step for Azpilicueta in his career.
Since then, the Spanish defender has been a big player for the six-time Premier League Champions. Azpilicueta is currently in his 10th season with Chelsea and is still going strongly. He has made more than 300 appearances for the Blues, playing under different managers.
During his tenure at Chelsea, Azpilicueta has been called upon for various roles at the back. He started as a right-back but under manager Rafa Benitez but with the arrival of former manager Jose Mourinho, he was often used as a left-back.
Post Jose's departure, the Spaniard was used as a centre-back in a back-three formation under Antonio Conte. With varied roles, what has remained a constant is Azpilicueta's reliability and efficiency. The 32-year old is a dynamic footballer and is now the captain at Chelsea. Undoubtedly, he is one of the most versatile defenders in Premier League history.
