10 players who improved drastically after a managerial change

#4 David Alaba | Pep Guardiola | Bayern Munich

FC Bayern Muenchen v FC Augsburg - Bundesliga

David Alaba had been transformed from a decisive midfielder to a marauding left-back by Louis van Gaal. However, his versatility entered new heights under Guardiola. While many of Die Roten's defenders were struggling with fitness at the time, the legendary manager transformed Alaba into a centre-back as well.

It didn't take long for the star to connect expeditiously in his new position, essentially becoming a skilled passer from the back. Today, like Kimmich, David Alaba can play in nearly every position in the first and middle third.

The chameleon now plays for Real Madrid, where he's picked up Sergio Ramos' spot in the center of the defense.

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#3 Raheem Sterling | Pep Guardiola | Manchester City

Newport County AFC v Manchester City - FA Cup Fifth Round

The former Liverpool star joined Manchester City with all the pace in the world. But he lacked decisiveness and brilliance in the final third where everything mattered. Under Manuel Pellegrini, Raheem Sterling had all the makings of a traditional winger. He was adept with dribbling and running, rough with finishing.

Then came Pep Guardiola, who took the star through the crucible, refining him into a superstar title-winner with the world at his feet.

His underwhelming debut season at the Etihad gave way to a brilliant sophomore season under Guardiola's guidance. Then Raheem Sterling began blasting goals in. He learned how to cut in, how to wait for the incisive pass, and how to burst through with the ability to score goals.

Now with nine trophies under his belt, Sterling remains under Guardiola's legendary tutelage at Manchester City.

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#2 Jorginho | Thomas Tuchel | Chelsea

Chelsea v Manchester United - Premier League

Since joining Chelsea in 2018 from Napoli to guide the Blues through "Sarri-ball," the Italian international has played under two managers in recent times. Jorginho stayed back at Stamford Bridge when Maurizio Sarri left.

The star then became a leader on the pitch for Frank Lampard's youngsters. However, his true colors shone in gleaming displays after Thomas Tuchel joined the club and made Jorginho the solution.

Although the star is slower than most players, his skills in anticipation and his ability to connect the defense to the attack has been above par. Jorginho's pivotal presence in Chelsea's midfield has been key to Tuchel's style of play.

It's no surprise that the deep-lying playmaker entered the Ballon d'Or list in 2021. He guided Chelsea to the Champions League title and Italy to the Euros this year.

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#1 Lionel Messi | Pep Guardiola | Barcelona

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - Liga BBVA

There arguably isn't a better player than Lionel Messi. The star can notably trace the beginning of his world-class skills to Pep Guardiola's tutelage. Messi already had the makings of a wonderkid even before Guardiola joined Barcelona as manager. But the way the legendary manager played Messi changed everything.

The Argentine maestro was utilized as a right-wing forward who cut in decisively and scored brilliant goals. However, when Guardiola came on board, he placed Messi in the center instead, playing the youngster as a false nine.

It worked wonders as the star went on to become one of the most potent goalscorers in that position. He won multiple Ballon d'Ors along the way.