20 footballers who upped their game after a change of position

In football, a player’s position can define their entire career. Some start in one role but, due to tactical adjustments, team needs or even personal development, shift into a different role—often unlocking their full potential in the process. While some position changes are made out of necessity, others prove to be master strokes, turning good players into world-class stars. This list highlights 20 players who flourished after changing roles on the pitch.

Javier Mascherano began life as a defensive midfielder, announcing himself on the global stage at Liverpool, where he was known for his aggressive tackling in tandem with Xabi Alonso. However, after joining Barcelona in 2010, he transitioned into a centre-back role, forming a key part of their defensive setup, winning five La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies.

Due to his diminutive physique, Luka Modrić wasn't initially trusted to play in central midfield in the Premier League. Under Harry Redknapp, the Croat was frequently used as a number 10, or even as a left-sided midfielder. However, by the time Real Madrid became aware of his talents and signed him in 2012, Modrić started to evolve into a deep-lying playmaker who dictated play and controlled games from midfield. His vision and passing range helped Madrid win five Champions League titles. His career peaked in 2018 when he won the Ballon d’Or and led Croatia to the World Cup final.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

Jamie Carragher began his youth career as a forward, but when he finally made his first-team breakthrough at Anfield, he was initially deployed as a full-back, often on the left, despite being right-footed. While he was a reliable performer in that position, it was only when he was moved to centre-back that he truly found his calling. Partnering with Sami Hyypiä, he became a defensive leader for Liverpool, playing over 700 games for the club. His heroic performances in the 2005 Champions League final—including playing through cramp in extra time—cemented his legacy.

Kevin De Bruyne was often deployed as a winger during his early career with Genk and Chelsea, but failed to make a massive impact. After moving to Wolfsburg, he was shifted into a central playmaker role, where his passing and vision flourished. Manchester City signed him in 2015, and under Pep Guardiola, he became one of the best midfielders in the world. He has led the Premier League in assists multiple times, including a record-equalling 20 assists in the 2019-20 season (per Opta).

Bastian Schweinsteiger started as a right-sided midfielder at Bayern Munich, known for his crossing and boundless energy. However, his career truly took off when he moved into central midfield. As a deep-lying playmaker, he controlled the tempo of matches, leading Bayern to a treble in 2013. His influence extended to the international stage, too, where he was instrumental in Germany’s 2014 World Cup win.

Gareth Bale started life as a left-back at Southampton before moving to Tottenham. However, to accommodate Benoit Assou-Ekotto's return from injury, manager Harry Redknapp decided to utilise the Welshman's pace further up the field. Soon, he became one of Europe’s most dangerous wingers: in the 2012-13 season, he scored 26 goals for Spurs in all competitions (per Transfermarkt), earning a record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid. As part of the famous 'BBC' frontline (alongside Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo), he went on to play a key role in five Champions League wins, including his famous overhead kick in the 2018 final.

Caoimhín Kelleher played as a striker until his mid-teens before switching to goalkeeping. This decision paid off, as he became Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper and a penalty shootout specialist. He starred in the 2022 EFL Cup final, saving penalties and scoring the winning spot-kick in the shootout. His composure, particularly on the ball—something undoubtedly learned by playing outfield—has earned him praise, with Jürgen Klopp telling the Liverpool FC official website that he was "the best number two in the world".

Vincent Kompany started his career as a defensive midfielder at Anderlecht and Hamburg but was later converted into a centre-back at Manchester City. This switch took the focus away from his on-the-ball limitations and allowed him to fully utilise his leadership, aerial dominance and tackling ability. He captained City to four Premier League titles, becoming a key figure in their rise to dominance. His 2018-19 title-winning goal against Leicester remains one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history.

Philipp Lahm was widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in football, but when Pep Guardiola took over at Bayern Munich, he converted Lahm into a defensive midfielder. His intelligence, tactical awareness and passing ability made him excel in this role, helping Bayern dominate possession and control games. He was instrumental in Bayern’s Bundesliga and Champions League success, seamlessly transitioning between right-back and midfield whenever needed. Lahm retired with eight Bundesliga titles and a World Cup victory, having redefined the concept of versatility in modern football.

Sergio Ramos started his professional career as a right-back at Sevilla, using his speed to good effect to get up and down the wing. When he joined Real Madrid in 2005, he played at right-back for several seasons, but his aggressive tackling and aerial strength made him a natural fit for centre-back. The switch paid off, as he became one of the greatest defenders of his generation, winning five La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. He also became a goal-scoring threat, netting over 100 goals in his career—an incredible tally for a defender. His leadership was crucial for Spain, helping them win Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

Andrés Iniesta started out as a left-sided midfielder, but gradually moved into a more central role, where he became one of the best playmakers in football history. At FC Barcelona, his dribbling, vision and passing allowed him to control games alongside Xavi in midfield. The change in position allowed him to influence play more effectively, contributing to four Champions League wins and nine La Liga titles. He played a crucial role in Spain’s dominance between 2008 and 2012, too, scoring the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final.

Toni Kroos was initially an attacking midfielder at Bayern Munich, playing as a number 10 in a 4-2-3-1. However, his game evolved when he dropped into a deeper role as a midfield controller, dictating the tempo with his exceptional passing range. After moving to Real Madrid in 2014, he perfected this role, helping the team win multiple Champions League and La Liga titles. His ability to dictate play from deep midfield has been a key factor in both Real Madrid’s recent success and Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph.

Luis Suárez began his career as a winger at Groningen and Ajax, using his dribbling and pace to cut inside and create chances. However, his transformation from winger to striker turned him into one of the greatest goalscorers of his era. At Liverpool, he became the focal point of the attack, scoring 31 Premier League goals in the 2013-14 season without taking penalties. His goal-scoring instinct made him a perfect fit at FC Barcelona, where he formed a devastating front three with Lionel Messi and Neymar. Suárez won two European Golden Shoes and helped Barcelona secure the 2015 Champions League.

Yaya Touré began his career as a defensive midfielder, and even played as a centre-back for FC Barcelona in the 2009 Champions League final. However, his true potential was unlocked when he moved to Manchester City and was deployed as a box-to-box midfielder. His physical presence, ball control and attacking ability allowed him to dominate games, powering his way from one end of the pitch to the other. Touré played a key role in Manchester City’s first Premier League title win in 2012 and helped them become a dominant force in English football. In the 2013-14 season, he scored 24 goals in all competitions (per Transfermarkt).

Joshua Kimmich was initially a right-back at Bayern Munich. However, his passing range and intelligence prompted a shift to defensive midfield, much like his predecessor, Philipp Lahm. Kimmich became the heartbeat of Bayern’s midfield; his ability to dictate games led the Bavarians to multiple Bundesliga titles and victory in the 2020 Champions League.

Roberto Firmino arrived in Europe at Hoffenheim as an attacking midfielder who was often deployed out wide. However, when he joined Liverpool in 2015, Jürgen Klopp found a true home for him, transforming him into a false nine, a role that required him to drop deep, link up play and press aggressively. This tactical shift was instrumental in Liverpool’s success, as Firmino’s movement and pressing created space for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané. He scored over 100 goals for Liverpool and was a crucial part of their Champions League and Premier League triumphs. His ability to combine goal-scoring with playmaking made him one of the most unique forwards of his generation.

Cristiano Ronaldo started his career as a traditional winger at Sporting CP and early on at Manchester United, using his dribbling and pace to beat defenders. However, under Sir Alex Ferguson, he developed into a more direct attacker, focusing on goal-scoring. His transformation was completed at Real Madrid, where he became a prolific forward, often playing as a central striker. He scored a staggering 450 goals in 438 games for Madrid (per Transfermarkt), winning four Champions League titles. His ability to adapt his game allowed him to continue scoring at elite levels into his late 30s, becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football.

Thierry Henry was initially a winger at AS Monaco and Juventus, relying on his speed and dribbling to create chances. However, when Arsène Wenger signed him for Arsenal in 1999, he converted Henry into a central striker—a move that made him one of the greatest forwards in Premier League history. Henry’s intelligent movement and finishing saw him win four Golden Boots in England, scoring a record 175 league goals for Arsenal (per Transfermarkt). He played a key role in the Invincibles season of 2003-04 and remains Arsenal’s all-time top goalscorer with 228 goals. His transformation defined an era of English football.

Lionel Messi started his Barcelona career as a right-winger, using his dribbling and acceleration to cut inside and score. In 2009, Pep Guardiola deployed him as a false nine, a deeper forward role that allowed him to control games more. This tactical switch saw Messi enjoy his most prolific years, including 91 goals in 2012—a record, according to FIFA. In his later career, he evolved again into a deeper playmaker role, using his passing and vision to dictate games. His adaptability helped him win eight Ballon d’Ors and become the all-time top scorer for Barcelona and Argentina.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

David Alaba began his Bayern Munich career as a midfield utility man with his energy a useful asset across various positions, including, on occasion, on the wings. However, as Bayern evolved under different managers, Alaba eventually found his home in defence, first at left-back. Eventually, Pep Guardiola tapped into his ball-playing ability and tactical intelligence, deploying him successfully in central defence. His transition to centre-back helped Bayern dominate possession, leading them to a historic treble in 2020.