5 utility players who have lifted the World Cup

1.Simone Barone (Italy)

A decent midfielder at best

A central midfielder by trade, Simone Barone was a utility player. His greatest asset was his versatility as he could play both centrally as well as a wide-midfielder. His stamina and tactical intelligence meant he was also deployed as a defensive midfielder at club level.

While his inclusion in the world cup squad of 2006 baffled most, the national team manager, Marcello Lippi was a huge fan of the versatile midfielder. Barone spent most of his time with mid-table Serie A teams like Chievo, Parma, Palermo and Torino, the last of whom he got relegated in 2009.

Barone made two appearances off the bench as Italy went on to win their 4th world cup in 2006. Barone made 16 appearances for the national team, as his career ended after the world cup success.