Top 5 active players who successfully changed their playing position

#4 Gareth Bale

Bale with his iconic celebration

These five sights must bring joy to the hearts of neutral fans: Messi nutmegging players without asking for their permission, Ramos’ headers, Ronaldo’s knuckle-ball shots, De Bruyne’s slide-rule pass, and Kante dispossessing foes. But there is a sixth view which is even more beautiful than the aforementioned five: Gareth Bale in full flight.

Signed as a 17-year-old by Spurs, Gareth Bale was predominantly a left-back; though he wasn’t great at that position. So unconvincing was Gareth Bale that Tottenham Hotspur nearly sold him. However, as soon as Gareth Bale was deployed as a left midfielder to accommodate Benoit Asou Ekotto returning from Injury, he became a revelation for Spurs.

Pace, power, header, and a rocket of a left foot, Bale was the standout player in the Premier League for two seasons. In fact, Bale announced himself to the Champions League by destroying former Brazil full-back Maicon. His meritorious performances didn't go unnoticed at the Spanish capital, prompting Madrid to pay a then world record fee (more than they paid for Ronaldo) to secure his signature. Despite Madrid consigning Bale to an unfamiliar right-wing forward role, his transfer was one which benefitted both parties.

Scoring in both Champions League and Copa Del Rey finals, Bale has since repaid Madrid’s initial investment with some opponents-terrorising performances.

Summing it up, a fully fit Bale will walk into any squad on this planet bar none.