Top 5 most versatile footballers

Ivanovic can play in a number of defensive positions

Branislav Ivanovic

Chelsea really hit a gold mine when the secured the services of Ivanovic from Lokomotiv Moscow. The 29-year-old can play as a defensive midfielder, right back or center back. The Serbian’s versatility has helped the Blues on numerous occasions when they lost players to injury. The burly defender has a knack for scoring some important goals that have got the team out of numerous sticky situations. Ivanovic performed brilliantly in Chelsea’s 2009-2010 Premier League and FA Cup winning season where he played as a right back. The defender was an important part of the team that defeated Barcelona in the semi-finals of the 2011-2012 Champions league which Chelsea eventually won. Ivanovic continued his performances into the next season where he scored the winning goal in the finals of the Europa League in 2013. Chelsea have a lively player in Ivanovic – which is great since they spent just £9.7 million for his signature.

Ramos is one of Real Madrid’s most important players

Sergio Ramos

Real Madrid paid Sevilla €27 million for Ramos, which was a record for a Spanish teenager back in 2005 and Ramos has totally justified their investment in him. The 27-year-old was originally a right-back at Sevilla but has moved to the center of defense at Los Blancos and has excelled at the role throughout the years. Ramos has also been used as a midfield anchor on some occasions. The defender has scored some important goals for Madrid including one against bitter rivals Barcelona in the El Classico. Ramos’s goalscoring abilities make him an even bigger asset to Real Madrid as it is almost impossible to find defenders who can score goals now days. The disadvantage about Ramos is his numerous red cards which as of now stands at an astonishing 18.

Jones is Manchester United’s handy man

Phil Jones

Sir Alex Ferguson saw enough in Jones to shell out over £16 million for his services in 2011. Since then Jones has become an integral part of Manchester United and is fondly called ‘Mr.Versatile’ for his ability to play in a number of positions for the club. The 21-year-old can play as a center back, right back and defensive midfielder with equal ease for Manchester United. Jones has incredible commanding skills and was an important player in last November’s match against Arsenal where he successfully shut down Arsenal’s dangerous midfield. The England international is a born leader and could be Manchester United’s skipper in the future. Jones will most probably settle into his preferred position as a center back but can be called upon if an injury crisis arises.

Lahm is one of best German players in recent times

Philipp Lahm

Few players are more versatile than Philipp Lahm. The German has played in a variety of roles for his beloved Bayern Munich including as a right back, center back, defensive midfielder and central midfielder. Lahm has excelled in every position he has played but is one of the most under-rated players in world football. The 30-year-old is also extremely loyal and has been a one club man all his career. The “magic dwarf” has an incredible pace combined with brilliant tackling abilities making him one of the most important players for club and country. Since the appointment of Pep Guardiola, Lahm has been playing in a central midfield role and is excelling at it too. Bayern are extremely fortunate to have such a talented player.

Rooney has been a gamechanger for Manchester United

Wayne Rooney

No other player but Wayne Rooney could have occupied the number 1 spot on this list. Wayne Rooney has been brilliant for Manchester United ever since he put on that famous red shirt. The striker arrived at Old Trafford for an astronomical £25.6 million and has more than justified United’s investment in him. Sir Alex knew he got it right in signing Rooney when the forward scored a hat-trick and provided an assist on his unforgettable debut against Fenerbahce in 2004. The 28-year-old has been a gamechanger for United and has bailed them out of numerous stalemates over the years. Rooney can operate as a striker, second striker, attacking midfielder or a central midfielder making him the most versatile player in the game. The England international has deadly finishing and passing abilities as well as being an expert in set pieces making him a complete striker. Rooney will go down as a Manchester United legend and one of the finest players to have ever kicked a football.