Messi, Fernandes and more: 5 football superstars who could thrive with a change in position (2022)

#3 Frenkie De Jong (Barcelona)

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - La Liga Santander

After being hailed as the future of Barcelona's midfield in his first two seasons at the club, Frenkie De Jong has now fallen down the pecking order. He is no longer as prominent a member of the squad as he used to be following the emergence of youngsters like Pedri and Gavi.

The main problem for De Jong has been that he is not a perfect fit for any of the three roles that Xavi uses in midfield. He thrived at Ajax as their first line of attack. He'd receive the ball from his defenders and recycle possession. De Jong would also carry the ball forward well thanks to his neat dribbling and close control.

The only way to unlock De Jong is to play him in a double midfield pivot alongside Sergio Busquets, with the Dutchman given more freedom to foray forward. He is not very effective when he starts high up the pitch.

But when he is afforded time and space on the ball and allowed to dicate the tempo of proceedings, he's a whole different beast.

#2 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Manchester United v West Ham United - Premier League

Bruno Fernandes thrived at Manchester United in the 2020-21 season, scoring 28 goals and providing 17 assists in 58 appearances across all competitions. Playing as the number 10 or as a false 9, he had the freedom to arrive in the box and score goals.

The Portuguese international is a very good finisher but is an even better playmaker. That's why when Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Manchester United, Fernandes was moved to a deeper role. As good as he has been this season at creating chances for his side, Fernandes' goalscoring output has dwindled.

The 27 year old is at his best when he operates in a more advanced role and is making quick, incisive passes through to his forwards. He is currently being used as a number 8 but his performances from last season are a testament to the fact that he absolutely thrives as a number 10 or a false 9.

#1 Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)

Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Lionel Messi is still one of the best footballers in the world but you can't deny the fact that he has lost a yard of pace in recent times. The Argentinian international cannot make those lung-busting runs anymore as he used to in his prime.

PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino has largely used Messi down the right flank so far this season. However, it is clear that the Argentinian does best when he plays down the middle where he can get more involved in the build-up.

Speaking to Amazon Prime after PSG's 5-1 win over Lille, Kylian Mbappe said it is better when Messi is playing down the middle.

"It’s better when Leo is in the middle? Yes, but I’m not the coach. Leo is a player who needs to be on the ball, to feel the game and the match to be involved. I think it’s a good position for him, he’s free, he can move around and take off."