4 footballers who successfully played as both centre-back and defensive midfielder at the top level

3. Fernando Hierro

Fernando Hierro

Hierro was a defensive player who scored more than 150 goals in his career, thanks to his prowess in set-pieces. He was easy on the ball and had very good distribution skills.

Hierro played as a sweeping centre-back for Real Madrid and as a defensive midfielder for the Spanish national team. Needless to add, he was very successful in both of those roles.

Hierro started his career at Valladolid and spent two seasons with the club before being signed by Real Madrid. He played with Real for 13 years and appeared in 610 matches for them. He also won three Champions League and five La Liga titles for them.

Hierro could not win any major silverware for the Spanish national side, but played in 89 matches and scored 29 goals for them.

He was one of the best exponents of the free-kick in his prime. But he was no slouch defensively, and remained a clean tackler throughout his career. He was also very strong in the air.

Hierro ended his club career with English club Bolton Wanderers and played as defensive midfielder for them too.