Top 10 football players who play different positions for club and country

These players have shown versatility on the field

In the ever-evolving world of football, adaptability and versatility have become crucial attributes for players seeking to make a significant impact both at the club level and on the international stage. It takes a special kind of talent to excel in different positions for both club and country. 

The players epitomise the modern footballer's need to be versatile, multi-dimensional, and capable of contributing to their team's success in various ways. Their ability to shine in different positions highlights their immense skill and adds excitement to the game.

This article highlights ten exceptional football players who excel in different positions for their clubs and national teams, showcasing their ability to seamlessly transition between roles and contribute to their teams' success.

Eduardo Camavinga - France and Real Madrid

Camavinga was signed by Real Madrid as a backup midfielder for Casemiro, and as soon as Casemiro left the club, he took over his midfield position. Camavinga was still not even 20 years old when he played a significant role off the bench in Real Madrid's knockout-stage comeback wins over Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Manchester City on their way to Champions League glory in 2021–22.

After Mendy's injury, Ancelotti deployed him as a left-back, but Camavinga continued to play as a midfielder for the French national team. In the 2022 World Cup, he was a part of the French midfield that almost completed a comeback in the final against Argentina.

Federico Valverde - Uruguay and Real Madrid

The 24-year-old has a bright future in the Real Madrid midfield. In Aurelien Tchouaméni, Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid have a midfield that could dominate midfielders in Europe for years. But Carlo Ancelotti used him on the right flank this season, and he was exceptional on the flank.

He plays as a central midfielder for his country, Uruguay, and was a part of the World Cup squad last year. Valverde works tirelessly when out of possession, hassling opponents to win back the ball for his side so they can counterattack quickly. While previously thought of as primarily a ball-winner, his all-round game has developed superbly, as was evident this season.

John Stones - England and Manchester City

John Stones has been a player to talk about recently. Pep Guardiola transformed the player this season. Manchester City were out of a proper defensive midfielder this season, with Ruben Dias and Ake playing as centre-backs. City started including John Stones in the midfield alongside Rodri. In this Champions League final, he completed six dribbles, the most after only Messi.

He continues to play as a centre-back in the England squad along with Harry Maguire. John Stones's improvement this season left fans and pundits in shock. Pep was hailed for his improvement this season as Stones helped City win the treble this season.

Ivan Perisic - Croatia and Tottenham Hotspur

Ivan Perisic is one of the most versatile players in this era of football; he has the ability to play in the centre midfield, left-wing back, and left-wing. For his club Tottenham Hotspur, Perisic is preferred as a left-wing back who can run the left flank with ease and drop in some quality deliveries for the strikers.

For his country, Perisic plays as a left-winger, and he has the quality to play on both flanks because of his ability to play with both feet. He has a perfect combination of right and left feet, and with both his feet, he produces magic in the attacking third.

Alphonso Davies - Canada and Bayern Munich

The Canadian player was the first to make a name for himself and his country, Canada. He helped them qualify for the World Cup, which was held in Qatar. He played as a left-winger for his country in the World Cup. Davies' stunning strike is also the fastest goal scored in the FIFA World Cup.

For his club, Bayern, his preferred position was left-wing, but as soon as Bayern Munich went out of centre-back and left-backs, it was Davies who stepped up and rose to the occasion, as he played an integral part in Bayern's Champions League title win, and since then he has been one of the best left-backs in the world. Real Madrid have shown interest in him, and keeping an eye on him is the best scenario for the Spanish club right now.

Joshua Kimmich - Germany and Bayern Munich

Joshua Kimmich has emerged as a world-class central midfielder in recent seasons with Bayern Munich, but heading into UEFA Euro 2020, Germany restored him to the right-back spot in which he first rose to fame. For his country, he has been termed the perfect replacement for the legendary right-back Philipp Lahm.

The German international captained the Bayern side after Neuer suffered an injury, and he has been vital in the midfield alongside Goretzka throughout the 2022–23 season. His command of the ball is exceptional, and Pep converted him into the best midfield player because of his vision and understanding of the game.

Juan Cuadrado - Colombia and Juventus

Pace, personality, and perseverance. Juan Cuadrado has shown all of these attributes and more since joining Juventus in the summer of 2015. A seemingly endless source of energy, the Colombian right-back has built a reputation as a game-changer, and his unique skillset bring something completely different to the park.

Best known for his trickery and ability to dribble past his marker down the flank, Juan is also an extremely sharpshooter and has netted several wonder strikes in black and white. Over the six years spent between Udinese, Lecce, Fiorentina, and Chelsea, Cuadrado adapted his role from right-back to right-wing, a position that he has made his own with the Bianconeri. Attentive at tracking back but still spectacular going forward, he has developed into one of the world’s most eye-catching wide players.

Bernardo Silva - Portugal and Manchester City

Bernardo Silva was a part of Manchester City's treble-winning side that helped Pep Guardiola win the treble for the second time in his managerial career. Silva played as a left-back for Manchester City for a couple of games, and he did not disappoint at all.

In Portugal, Roberto Martinez's appointment meant that Silva would continue as a left-wing player. Silva's close ball control is one of the best, and to make way ahead of Riyad Mahrez, somebody who has the best ball control we have seen, Silva made his way ahead of him, and his performances in the Champions League semi-final were the best that we have seen in the competition for a long time.

Joao Cancelo - Portugal and Manchester City

He is one of the few footballers who know how to play with both feet; he played left back for Manchester City and Bayern Munich this season. He has the capability to produce long deliveries, inch-perfect crosses, and bangers from outside the box.

Cancelo has played as a right-back for Portugal in all the international tournaments that he has played in. On the right flank, he has helped Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix grow as footballers, and they have a perfect combination of play that is admired by fans and players across the nation.

Marcus Rashford - England and Manchester United

Rashford was the best player to come out of the World Cup 2022; he played as a left-winger for the "three lions" and was exceptional in attack. He scored some amazing goals in that tournament and helped England's attack along with Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane.

For his club, Manchester United, after Ronaldo's departure, there has been a missing striker for Erik ten Hag, and he has utilised Rashford in that position. Antony on the right and Sancho on the left made way for Rashford in the striker position; he had the best second half of the season.