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Modern football has witnessed an increase in the demand for specialist players - ones who are adept in a single position. That is most apparent with full-backs, as the role entails both attacking and defensive responsibilities.
That makes world-class multifaceted players a rare commodity in the game. But these players are some of the most entertaining ones to watch owing to their immense technical abilities and versatility. They can also provide backup in multiple positions in case of injuries or suspensions.
On that note, here's a look at the five best players who are world-class in multiple positions.
#5 David Alaba | Centre-Back, Left-Back and Central Midfield
David Alaba rose to prominence as a left-back at Bayern Munich, but has developed into a world-class centre-back and an elite central midfielder in recent years.
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Until the 2018-19 season, Alaba featured mainly as a full-back, but the next campaign saw the Austrian form a solid defensive partnership with Jerome Boateng at centre-back. Alaba was first introduced as a centre-back under Pep Guardiola, who also deployed the Austrian in a central midfield position.
Alaba’s versatility and ability with the ball at his feet allowed him to operate in the middle of the park as well. The 29-year-old regularly features as a central midfielder for the Austria, managing two assists in four appearances in the recently-concluded Euro 2020.
The two-time Champions League winner, who has now joined Real Madrid, was Bayern Munich’s first-choice centre-back for the past two seasons, playing a key role in consecutive domestic doubles.
#4 Kevin De Bruyne | Central Midfield, Winger, No. 10
Kevin De Bruyne is arguably the best playmaker in the game at the moment, and his immense technical abilities allow him to operate in multiple positions.
While the Belgian prefers the no. 10 role, he is equally adept in central midfield and wide positions. His versatility allows him to operate virtually anywhere in the attacking third. Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini employed De Bruyne in various roles, including a false nine and left midfielder.
Since Pep Guardiola’s arrival as Manchester City manager in 2016, De Bruyne has donned various hats. The Belgian player has been deployed as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, right-winger, left-winger, false nine and second striker.
De Bruyne has developed into one of the finest players on the continent, recently matching Thierry Henry’s record of most assists (20 in 2002-03) in a Premier League season.
#3 Joshua Kimmich | Defensive Midfield, Right-Back
Since his move to Bayern Munich from Lepzig in 2015, Joshua Kimmich has established himself as a world-class central defensive midfield player and right-back.
The successor to Philipp Lahm, who started off as a right-back at Munich, rapidly rose to prominence. He was arguably the best right-back in the game in his first few seasons at Bayern Munich. Kimmich’s technical prowess and incredible passing range allowed him to make a smooth transition to midfield.
The German has the ability to control and dictate play in the middle of the park, and functions as the engine room for both Bayern Munich and Germany. Kimmich has the vision and ability to pick out an incisive pass, and can also systemically break down opposition attacks.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo | Winger, Centre-Forward
Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the greatest winger in the game's history, but has now evolved into a lethal centre-forward as well.
The Portuguese superstar pioneered the role of an inverted winger in the modern game, with a stellar goalscoring record at Manchester United and Real Madrid. After winning multiple Ballon d’Or accolades and trophies while playing as a winger, Ronaldo has been deployed as a free-roaming centre-forward, especially under Zinedine Zidane.
Ronaldo’s eye for goal is second to none, and his direct approach towards the opposition’s goal allows the Portuguese to find the back of the net consistently. At Juventus, Ronaldo has alternated between the centre-forward and left-wing positions.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has made 78 appearances in a no. 9 role for the Bianconeri, along with 55 appearances as a left winger. Ronaldo has scored 62 goals as a centre-forward, and 39 in a wide position at his new club.
#1 Lionel Messi | Winger, No. 10, False Nine
Arguably the greatest player in the history of the game, Lionel Messi excelled as a right winger, attacking midfielder and a false nine during his time in Barcelona.
The Argentine began his career as a right winger who could play in an inverted or orthodox wide player role. Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola moulded Messi into a false nine, and formed one of the best footballing outfits of the past decade. The Argentine wizard was a crucial component of Barcelona’s 'tiki-taka' football as he quickly adapted to his new position.
Barcelona became the first team to win the sextuple in European football and the first to win the continental treble twice as well. However, Messi’s favoured role is that of an attacking midfielder, as it allows the Argentine more freedom to showcase his playmaking abilities.
Lionel Messi recently parted ways with his boyhood club, and has joined forces with the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at PSG. The Argentine will likely be deployed in a no. 10 role under compatriot Mauricio Pochettino at the French club.
