10 most versatile players in Europe currently

Football players are usually adept at playing in their positions and they are very happy with having a clear role defined to them.However, some footballers are capable of playing anywhere on the football pitch and they are happy to play wherever their manager asks them to play.These footballers have played in almost all positions for their respective teams and are never shy of taking responsibiltiy. Players from Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester United feature prominently on this list with one player from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Stuttgart also featuring here.These players have truly shown they are versatile and capable of playing competitively in multiple positions. We take a look at the 10 most versatile players in Europe currently:

#10 Philipp Lahm - Bayern Munich

Considered one of the best right-backs of all time, not many people know that Phillip Lahm in fact started his career at Bayern Munich as a left-back. The German international has played in various positions for his Bayern Munich team such as left-back, right-back, defensive midfielder and on the right wing.

Although Lahm is right-footed, he is able to play on both sides of the pitch. He often cuts from the flank to the inside of the pitch to either shoot and/or pass. He is renowned for his pace, stamina and precise tackling abilities as well as his small stature, giving him the nickname the "Magic Dwarf".

Currently, Lahm plays as a defensive midfielder under Pep Guardiola showing his versatility and capability to adapt to different situations and still perform at a very high level.

#9 Emre Can - Liverpool

Emre Can has become a regular in the Liverpool first team this season. Considered to be one of the most promising youngsters in Germany, Can has played a variety of positions in his short career.

Mainly a central midfielder, Emre Can has played as a defensive midfielder, centre back and right back for his club.

Can's ability to attack and defend from midfield has seen him compared to fellow German midfielders Michael Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Germany national coach Joachim Low also reserved praise for the Liverpool youngster.

“Can has a good all-round game and is a complete player. The fact that he can play many different positions make him an important player for Germany.”

Still only 22. Can has displayed his versatility playing well both in midfield as well as defense for Liverpool.

#8 Kevin Grosskreutz - VFB Stuttgart

Former Arsenal target Kevin Grosskreutz is one of the most versatile players in the world. The German’s versatility was first noticed when Jurgen Klopp was forced to play him in a number of different positions due to injuries in the 2012/13 season.

Grosskreutz has played in as many as 5 positions in his career such as left wing, right wing, central midfield, left back and right back. Primarily a left winger, Grosskreutz has adapted well to whichever role he has been assigned to.

However, the German has struggled in the last two seasons with his form, fitness and attitude being questioned. He suffered a serious knee injury which pushed him to the sidelines in the 2014 season. He was sold to Galatasaray in 2015, however, after not making even a single appearance for the Turkish club, Grosskreutz came back to Germany.

He now plays in the Bundesliga for VFB Stuttgart and Stuttgart fans will be hoping Grosskreutz recovers his form quickly.

#7 Sergi Roberto - Barcelona

Sergi Roberto has been the go-to man for Luis Enrique this season. Capable of playing in a number of different positions, the La Masia graduate has been called upon whenever there has been an injury or suspension to the players in the Barcelona first team.

Mainly a central midfielder, Roberto has played in as many as seven different positions for Barcelona. He has operated as a defensive midfielder, full-back and even as a winger on various occasions for the Catalan giants

Roberto has impressed in the full-back position this season and his manager Luis Enrique has praised the 24-year old's adaptability and thinks he could have a great future in defence.

"He is a player equipped to play in many positions. Today we saw him in another position," Luis Enrique said.

"Sergi has a very powerful physique and can become a great full-back."

Such praise is indeed well deserved for a player who started off playing in central midfield.

#6 Saul Niguez - Atletico Madrid

saul atletico madrid — Saul is considered to be one of the most talented youngsters at Atletico Madrid

At just 21 years old, Atletico Madrid youngster Saul Niguez still has plenty of time to determine his best position. His ability to read the play and intercept passes make him well-suited to a number of roles.

In his short career Saul has played a number of positions being used as a defensive midfielder, box-to-box midfielder, winger and even as a centre-back. The young Spaniard has been predominantly used in the centre of the park by Diego Simeone.

Saul had a good campaign in 2014/15 season scoring four goals and setting up two more. Diego Simeone is likely to continue experimenting with the Spanish all-rounder in order to get the best out of diverse skill set.

#5 Wayne Rooney - Manchester United

Wayne Rooney has been Manchester United’s talisman for a long time. Rooney has played as a forward for most of his career, however, in recent seasons he has also been used in a variety of midfield roles.

Rooney prefers playing in the forward’s role but it shows the quality he has in his passing skills that he is deployed in the “number 10” role or in the midfield. His goalscoring skills are well renowned throughout but his passing and vision is also exemplary.

In addition to his offensive attributes, he has been praised for his work-rate and stamina by players, managers and the media, and is highly regarded for his dedication and willingness to press opponents when possession has been lost in order to win back the ball and start attacking plays.

With a drop in pace due to injuries, Rooney has reinvented himself brilliantly to play in a variety of positions for Manchester United.

#4 Thomas Muller - Bayern Munich

Muller is a player capable of playing in a variety of positions. Coming through the Bayern Munich youth system, the German was initially seen as a midfielder but he is deployed in more attacking positions these days for Bayern Munich.

The German international currently plays as an attacking midfielder or forward under Pep Guardiola, however, he has played in a number of positions such as second striker, centre forward and on either side of the wing.

Muller has been praised for his maturity, pace, technique, awareness and positioning. He is also known for his composure always finishing effectively and efficiently making the most of his chances.

Muller has himself described his role as Raumdeuter, which translates to “interpreter of space”. His managers such as Louis Van Gaal and Joachim Low have praised his ability to remain calm under pressure saying that he is "impervious to pressure" and praising his “tremendous mental strength”.

The German manager went on to reflect the Bayern Munich’s star’s mentality saying:

“He is a very unorthodox player and you can't really predict his lines of running, but he has one aim and that is 'how can I score a goal?".

#3 Daley Blind - Manchester United

One of Manchester United’s most consistent performers, Daley Blind has played in numerous positions occupying almost all the positions across the Manchester United back line.

The Dutch international is capable of playing at left-back, centre-back and midfield performing all the roles competitively and efficiently for Louis Van Gaal. Blind's assist for Van Persie's goal in the World Cup came from the left-back position.

Blind is also capable of playing the midfield role very well having played in some huge games very successfully. He has even scored some crucial goals for Manchester United playing in this position such as his fantastic goal against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

In recent times, thanks to Manchester United’s injury crisis, Blind has played in the centre-back position and his performances have been solid if not spectacular for the injury-hit red devils.

#2 James Milner - Liverpool

James Milner is the second youngest player to ever play in the Premier League. Milner has played for a number of top clubs such as Leeds United, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool.

The versatility of Milner is shown by the fact that he has played in more positions than the clubs he has represented for. Milner started off as a winger, but the Liverpool man has played on both flanks, centre of midfield, at wing-back or at full-back and even as a backup striker.

Milner is a complete professional and has always been one of the go-to players for all the managers in the various teams he has played for. Currently the vice-captain of Liverpool, James Milner has been turning in some crucial performances for his team.

Jurgen Klopp revealed his admiration for Milner when he said:

“Milner? The complete football player, the perfect professional.”

#1 David Alaba - Bayern Munich

David Alaba has been in Bayern Munich since 2008 and under Pep Guardiola, he has become one of the most complete footballers in the world. Primarily a left-back, Alaba has played in a variety of positions including centre-back, midfield, and even the left wing.

Quick, strong and an eye for a wonderful pass are the qualities which have made Alaba an indispensable part of the Bayern Munich team. Alaba is also a wonderful free-kick taker having scored some stunning goals through free-kicks.

The Austrian does not have many weaknesses and it is no wonder Pep Guardiola loves working with him.

“David Alaba is our god. He has already played almost all 10 positions.

“ He is one of those players who is willing to give his everything for the team and I really admire his attitude towards the game.”

David Alaba will be the key for Bayern Munich in the latter part of the season with injuries to Boateng and Badstuber leaving the defensive line a bit vulnerable.

Edited by Staff Editor