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Modern football has seen managers place a marked emphasis on versatile players. The ability to play in different positions at a high level is valued highly. Managers like Pep Guardiola play a brand of football that requires versatility from players.
To play fluid attacking football, players need to be adept in operating at different positions on the field. That requires the ability to read the game well and good fitness levels to be able to switch positions during a game.
On that note, let's take a look at the five most versatile players in the game at the moment.
#5 Nacho (Real Madrid)
Luis Enrique's decision to not name a single Real Madrid player in the Spain squad for Euro 2020 created a furore, with Sergio Ramos the biggest casualty. However, the exclusion of Nacho was a surprise as well.
A product of the Real Madrid academy, Nacho has been the perfect squad player at the club for quite some time. The Spain international is the first choice for any position and almost always produces a solid performance when called upon.
Nacho is capable of playing anywhere across the backline. He was predominantly utilised as a centre-back in the season gone by, but the 31-year old operated in both full-back positions as well. Nacho's versatility could have been useful for Spain at the tournament, and he could have been a good option off the bench.
Also Read: Euro 2020: 5 surprise packages in the tournament so far.
#4 Daley Blind (Ajax)
One of the most underrated players in Europe right now, Daley Blind is an integral cog for both club and country.
A product of Ajax's academy, Blind made more than 100 appearances in all competitions before joining Manchester United in 2014. The Netherlands international was a dependable player for the Old Trafford outfit. He was used as a centre-back, left-back and in defensive midfield during his time there.
For the Netherlands at Euro 2020, Blind has operated as a centre-back. An excellent passer and a good reader of the game, the 31-year old is undroppable when fit.
Also Read: Euro 2020: Ranking the top 5 favourites to win the tournament.
#3 Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Joshua Kimmich is one of the best right-backs and midfielders in the game at the moment.
Such is his quality in both positions that it is difficult for his managers to decide where to play him. For Bayern Munich during the 2020-21 season, Kimmich operated in midfield, making 27 Bundesliga appearances, scoring four goals and providing ten assists.
For Germany, though, Kimmich has been used as a right-back. At the Euros, the 26-year old has played as a right wing-back, troubling the opposition defenders with his runs and crossing ability. An extremely consistent player, Kimmich is recognised as one of the best in the world.
#2 David Alaba (Real Madrid)
David Alaba is set to join Real Madrid in July on a free transfer, ending his long association with Bayern Munich.
Alaba made his debut at Bayern Munich. In 12 seasons at the club, the Austria international made 431 appearances in all competitions, playing as a centre-back, left-back, midfielder and in the wings. Alaba enjoyed a trophy-laden career in Bavaria, winning ten Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies.
In recent times, Alaba predominantly plays as a centre-back. For Austria at the Euros, he has been used so far as a centre-back in a three-man backline, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from critics.
#1 Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid)
Marcos Llorente's transformation from a defensive midfielder to one of the versatile players in the game has been a joy to watch.
Eyebrows were raised when Atletico Madrid decided to sign Llorente from Real Madrid in 2019 for £27 million. At Atletico Madrid, manager Diego Simeone started using Llorente further forward to devastating effect. Llorente has often played as a second striker at Atletico Madrid, as well as on the wings.
For Spain at Euro 2020, the 26-year-old has started as a right-back ahead of stars like Cesar Azpilicueta. Spain have struggled so far, but Llorente has done a commendable job in that position.
Also Read: 5 stars who need to leave Barcelona to further their careers.
