Versatility has become one of football’s most valuable assets, and while some players spend their entire careers mastering a single position, others have built legendary reputations by thriving in several roles.
These footballers gave their managers tactical flexibility, solved injury crises and often changed games simply by switching positions.
From defence to midfield and attack, these stars proved that intelligence, technical quality and adaptability can be just as important as pace or goals.
Here are five of the greatest multi-position footballers in history.
Philipp Lahm (Germany)
Few players embodied versatility like Philipp Lahm. Although widely regarded as one of the greatest full-backs of all time, Lahm also excelled as a defensive midfielder under Pep Guardiola at FC Bayern Munich.