Versatility is an important quality that is not often seen in many players, however it is a trait that can help a player stay relevant over the long term. In the past, footballers were often limited to one position, but the game of football has continued to evolve in such a way that players are often asked to play in different positions depending on the tactical needs of the manager. Most famous footballers have changed positions at some point in their careers. Let’s find out about the most versatile players in football with Bestsoccertips in the following article.
Top 8 most versatile players in football
1. David Alaba
There is no doubt that David Alaba is a world-class player not only at left-back but also at midfield, centre-back or even as a winger, as he is sometimes asked to do for the Austrian national team. Alaba has shown this versatility while playing for his former club Bayern Munich and the Austrian national team.
At Bayern, he played primarily as a left-back but also made numerous appearances in midfield or as an occasional centre-back. He never looked out of place in any of these positions. As a centre-back, he was solid; as a full-back, he was a threat to the opposition thanks to his attacking instincts, and he was not even easy to beat defensively. When Austria found it difficult to find attacking options, David Alaba was called upon to play as a striker, and sometimes his set-pieces made the difference.
2. Eduardo Camavinga
Even a TikTok addict who doesn’t follow football will have heard and seen Eduardo Camavinga, especially with the memes and videos on social media constantly exaggerating his versatility on the ball. Not only a typical central midfielder, Camavinga can also play in many different positions, from full-back to defensive midfielder. Recently, some video clips have even shown that he can play perfectly in the goalkeeper position, which has further increased his prominence on online platforms. This versatility of Camavinga has attracted the attention of football fans and made him one of the promising young stars of today’s football world.
Besides his talent on the field, Camavinga also stands out with his personal style, especially his signature curly hair. He is not the only case, because curly hair has become a characteristic of many famous football players. Camavinga’s hair has become an indispensable part of his image, contributing to creating a difference and being easily recognized every time he appears on the field. Certainly, in the future, Camavinga will create many memorable marks in his career.
3. Joshua Kimmich
According to football experts, Joshua Kimmich is one of Bayern Munich’s silent heroes, a player who, although not always noticed like the big stars, is always an important factor in the team’s tactics. Kimmich stands out with his flexible playing ability, being able to play in both midfield and defense positions when necessary. He is compared to the legendary Philipp Lahm, not only because of his versatile talent but also because of his perseverance and excellent ability to read the game. Therefore, it is not surprising that Kimmich is sometimes trusted to be the captain, leading Bayern Munich in important matches.
When the team has injury problems, Kimmich’s presence on the field brings a clear advantage. He can solve at least two empty positions, helping the team maintain stability. On the contrary, when he is absent due to injury, Bayern Munich clearly feels his absence, because Kimmich plays an important role in both the defensive midfield and right-back positions. Every time he is absent, the team is missing two players, which shows the influence and irreplaceable role of the German player at Bayern Munich.
4. Neymar
Although Neymar is one of the best strikers the game has ever seen, his versatility has allowed him to play in a variety of positions on the pitch. In addition to his main striker role, Neymar can also play as a winger, centre-back and occasionally as a number 10, making him an incredibly unpredictable and versatile player. His ability to change positions allows him to adapt to a variety of tactics and is a key weapon in the formations of his teams.
Neymar is renowned not only for his explosive pace and dribbling skills, but also for his ability to use these qualities to beat defenders on the wings. However, his sharp finishing has also led coaches to consider deploying him as a false centre-forward. This allows Neymar to roam freely, create space and disrupt the opposition defence, while still being able to utilise his strong goalscoring ability. This versatility has made Neymar an irreplaceable player, making a vital contribution to any team he has played for.
5. Angel Di Maria
From midfielder to both wings, attacking midfielder behind the striker, and even as a false nine, it is hard to find a position that Angel Di Maria has not played in his career. He is one of the most versatile players in the game, able to adapt to a variety of roles on the pitch, making him a versatile weapon for any team he has played for. Interestingly, Di Maria can lay claim to being the best utility player to have ever played the game. He has proven himself to be excellent and vital to his team in every position he has been deployed in.
When deployed as a winger, whether on the right or left wing, Di Maria has always performed very well. When playing in the central midfield position, he never feels out of place, especially when he is assigned the number 10 role behind the striker. Interestingly, no matter where he is, Angel Di Maria has been extremely successful and won titles almost everywhere he has been. Moreover, the Argentine player is also one of the players with the most assists in the world, however, due to his modest and sometimes overlooked playing style, he is somewhat underrated compared to other stars. His quiet but extremely important contributions have proven to be of great value in his career.
6. James Milner
A versatile player, James Milner has played in many different positions during his career, including on the wing, in midfield and at full-back. This versatility has made him a vital and reliable player in every team he has played for. Currently playing for Brighton and Hove Albion, Milner is often regarded as one of the most versatile players of all time, not only because of his ability to play well in a number of positions but also because of his dedication and commitment to his team.
Wherever he has been, from Newcastle to Manchester City, Liverpool, and now Brighton, Milner has proven his worth. He has been an incredible addition to every team he has played for, excelling in every role he has been given. With his tenacity and uncompromising professionalism, James Milner has become a top utility player, always ready to get the job done and help his team achieve success.
7. Bernardo Silva
Looking for a silent assassin, Bernardo Silva is one of them, although he plays for Manchester City and has quietly been part of a club that has dominated the Premier League for the past six seasons, where he has been a regular in midfield. Before Bernardo Silva was signed from Monaco, he played on the wing for the French club, and when he joined Manchester City, he almost never played on the wing for Manchester City, instead being deployed in a free role by Pep Guardiola.
It is not surprising to see Bernardo Silva operating in the middle of the pitch and still drifting to the right of the pitch; he can also play as a false nine. However, Bernardo Silva is regarded by many football fans as one of the best midfielders in the world.
8. Phil Foden
Phil Foden may be a young player, but his trophy list is enviable, having won everything with Manchester City, although that is not the basis of the discussion. Phil Foden’s identity is still being debated as a winger or midfielder, two positions he has been thrown into at both Manchester City and England international level. The winger has thrived on the flanks for City, but Pep Guardiola’s ingenuity has seen him try his hand in midfield.
The English media continues to debate and debate where he plays best, in the middle of the pitch as an attacking midfielder, behind the striker, or on the wing as a winger. Phil Foden is known for his versatility, work rate, excellent technique and a great first touch.
Conclusion
This article has compiled interesting information about the top most versatile players in football, who have proven their outstanding flexibility on the pitch. Their versatility not only helps the team deal with unexpected situations but also brings creativity and breakthroughs in tactics. These players are invaluable assets, not only because of their ability to change roles but also because of their deep understanding of many aspects of the game. Therefore, they are always important stars in every team, contributing to creating attractive and memorable matches.
