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Having versatile players is a huge plus for any team. The ability to play and thrive in multiple positions on the pitch isn't something many players possess. In fact, there are only a few superstars who have been successful playing diverse roles for their teams. That is why this category of players deserves special praise.
When an injury crisis strikes and key players become unavailable, in the absence of proper backup, versatile players become the saviours of teams. Stepping up to the challenge, these players often prove beneficial for their managers.
There have been many versatile players gracing the game over the years. On that note, here's a look at five such players who have impressed the most with their ability to thrive in multiple positions on the pitch:
#5 Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney started his career as a striker for Everton, but had to adapt to other positions on the pitch after joining Manchester United in 2004. The way he fit in seamlessly in every role made him one of the most key players in Sir Alex Ferguson's squad.
Apart from his natural centre-forward role, Rooney could also play on both flanks of attack, and as a supporting striker, attacking midfielder and central midfielder.
The attacker enjoyed a very successful spell at Old Trafford, recording 253 goals and 146 assists in 559 appearances for the Red Devils across competitions. He also won multiple trophies, including one Champions League crown, five Premier League titles and four EFL Cups, among others.
#4 David Alaba
David Alaba joined Real Madrid last summer, shortly before Sergio Ramos left for PSG. The departure of the Spanish centre-back left a massive hole at the heart of the Los Blancos defence.
However, David Alaba stepped up, left his natural role on the left side of defence and filled in at the centre. It goes without saying that the former Bayern Munich star has impressed beyond expectations so far this season, bagging two goals and four assists in 29 appearances.
The Austrian left-back has played in several other positions throughout his career. He has thrived in all five roles in midfield, as well as a wing-back and a winger. Alaba is, without a doubt, one of the most versatile players in the game's history.
#3 Javier Zanetti
Inter Milan legend Javier Zanetti is another icon whose name always pops up when the most versatile players in the game's history are discussed. A glance into his career makes it quite apparent.
Zanetti spent a whopping 19 years with the Italian giants, between 1995, when he arrived from Banfield, and 2014, when he hung up his boots. During his time at the Estadio Giuseppe Meazza, the Argentine made an unbelievable 858 appearances for the club, bagging 21 goals and 25 assists.
What is more impressive is that he wasn't limited to any position; he played in several positions on the pitch. Apart from his natural spot on the right hand side of defence, Zanetti also featured in the centre and the left hand side of the backline. He played on both wings of midfield, and also as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder and right winger.
#2 Philipp Lahm
Philipp Lahm is another versatile player, who covered multiple positions on the pitch. He played on either wing of defence, and also as a centre-back, defensive midfield, central midfield and on either side of midfield.
Lahm enjoyed a spectacular career at club level - recording 22 goals and 77 assists in 652 appearances for Bayern Munich and VFB Stuttgart. He also won multiple honours, including one Champions League crown, eight Bundesliga titles and six German Cups, among others.
#1 James Milner
James Milner is one of the few players who has demonstrated what a versatile player is like in modern football. The Englishman took versatility to a whole new level, making his impact felt at some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, including Liverpool and Manchester City.
It is quite remarkable that Milner has played in every position on the football pitch in his career. Starting with defence, midfield and down to attack, the 36-year-old has always delivers when called upon.
His trophy cabinet, which boasts three Premier League titles, one Champions League crown, one FA Cup and many others, isn't by luck. So far in his career, the English midfielder has made 796 appearances at club level, recording 85 goals and 134 assists to his name.
