Messi, Fernandes and more: 5 football superstars who could thrive with a change in position (2022)

At the highest level, football teams require specialists at every position. Players need to have been acquainted with the nuances of their role from a very young age for them to obtain a well-rounded skillset which helps them excel.

But we also see plenty of football stars who are extremely versatile. They can play across a variety of positions thanks to their natural flair for the game. These players can be a huge blessing for managers as they can afford to tweak their systems and move things around without much hassle.

Some players are so good that they can perform at a high level in multiple positions. However, there will always be one position where a player is most comfortable playing in. If they are assigned that position, they will play their best game.

Without further ado, let's take a look at five football superstars who could thrive with a change in position.

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#5 Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

Arsenal v Burnley - Premier League

There is a lot of talk around Arsenal needing to prioritize signing a centre-forward in the summer. After all, they let go of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rather abruptly in January. Eddy Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette are set to become free agents in the summer.

But they really don't need to look much further than Gabriel Martinelli, whose preferred position is centre-forward. The 20 year old has largely played down the flanks under Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson, writing on Sportskeeda, urged Mikel Arteta to consider playing Martinelli up top.

"If I were Arteta, I’d start playing Martinelli up front. Arsenal could spend a lot of money on a striker, but the player they’re looking for might already be at the club. Martinelli is lively and quick – he has what it takes. He should get a run till the end of the season, and might save Arsenal £70 million."

#4 Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)

Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier League

Christian Pulisic is playing at wing-back at Chelsea and if his latest comments are anything to go by, he doesn't seem too pleased about that. The US international thrived as a left winger at Borussia Dortmund.

Unfortunately, Thomas Tuchel's system is heavily reliant on wing-backs.

In late January, Pulisic said: (quotes via Sky Sports):

“It’s tough. I haven’t always been playing in the positions I want to play in. But I think it’s a good quality to be versatile and be able to play in all kinds of positions and have different strengths on the pitch.

“So, yeah, I’ve learned a lot and I think I’m ready to hopefully be in a spot in the next couple of games that I’m more comfortable in.

With both Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku performing poorly, it feels like it's time for Tuchel to perhaps use Pulisic in a much more advanced role. He could play as one of the wide attacking midfielders or even as a striker.

#3 Frenkie De Jong (Barcelona)

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - La Liga Santander

After being hailed as the future of Barcelona's midfield in his first two seasons at the club, Frenkie De Jong has now fallen down the pecking order. He is no longer as prominent a member of the squad as he used to be following the emergence of youngsters like Pedri and Gavi.

The main problem for De Jong has been that he is not a perfect fit for any of the three roles that Xavi uses in midfield. He thrived at Ajax as their first line of attack. He'd receive the ball from his defenders and recycle possession. De Jong would also carry the ball forward well thanks to his neat dribbling and close control.

The only way to unlock De Jong is to play him in a double midfield pivot alongside Sergio Busquets, with the Dutchman given more freedom to foray forward. He is not very effective when he starts high up the pitch.

But when he is afforded time and space on the ball and allowed to dicate the tempo of proceedings, he's a whole different beast.

#2 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Manchester United v West Ham United - Premier League

Bruno Fernandes thrived at Manchester United in the 2020-21 season, scoring 28 goals and providing 17 assists in 58 appearances across all competitions. Playing as the number 10 or as a false 9, he had the freedom to arrive in the box and score goals.

The Portuguese international is a very good finisher but is an even better playmaker. That's why when Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Manchester United, Fernandes was moved to a deeper role. As good as he has been this season at creating chances for his side, Fernandes' goalscoring output has dwindled.

The 27 year old is at his best when he operates in a more advanced role and is making quick, incisive passes through to his forwards. He is currently being used as a number 8 but his performances from last season are a testament to the fact that he absolutely thrives as a number 10 or a false 9.

#1 Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)

Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Lionel Messi is still one of the best footballers in the world but you can't deny the fact that he has lost a yard of pace in recent times. The Argentinian international cannot make those lung-busting runs anymore as he used to in his prime.

PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino has largely used Messi down the right flank so far this season. However, it is clear that the Argentinian does best when he plays down the middle where he can get more involved in the build-up.

Speaking to Amazon Prime after PSG's 5-1 win over Lille, Kylian Mbappe said it is better when Messi is playing down the middle.

"It’s better when Leo is in the middle? Yes, but I’m not the coach. Leo is a player who needs to be on the ball, to feel the game and the match to be involved. I think it’s a good position for him, he’s free, he can move around and take off."