10 players who became more successful after a role change
Will Philipp Lahm’s ability to play midfield turn out to be better than his play at right-back?Most footballers become professionals knowing exactly what they are good at, and stick with it throughout their careers. Defenders remain defenders and strikers usually remain strikers. After all most footballers don’t really need to change things up - They are good at what they do, and the team needs them to stick to these roles.There are some however, whose careers seem to be meandering along, until through a stroke of luck or an inspirational coaching decision, they find themselves playing way out of their comfort zone and excelling at their new roles in a way they could have never have dreamed of. (Philip Lahm’s transition from right back to central midfielder may well prove to be a stroke of genius by Josep Guardiola – but that remains to be seen.)Here, we take a look at ten rather brilliant players who have become more successful after a change in role – only changes in role made after turning professional have been considered – ruling out the amazing tale of Gianluigi Buffon’s shift from midfield at youth levels and the even more incredible tale of Alan Shearer being turned away by Newcastle United after attending a trial. As a goalkeeper.Wayne Rooney, learn!
#1 John Charles - Leeds United, Juventus, Wales
By early 1949, John Charles had established himself as the dominant centre back in a strong Leeds United unit. He was just 17. Late in the October of 1952 though, Leeds had a major problem – as good as their defence was, they simply weren’t scoring any goals. The manager, Major Buckley, evidently had seen something in Charles and decided to start the big man up front as a centre forward. It immediately paid off as Charles scored 11 goals in 6 games.
In 1955-56, his 29 goals would see Leeds promoted to the first division, and if there were fears that Charles was merely a flat-track bully, they were quickly brushed aside with an imperious sweep of that massive right foot. He scored a phenomenal 39 goals in just 41 matches in what would prove to be his last match for the Yorkshire club.
In the summer of 1957, Charles moved to Turin and the club that would make him into a legend – Juventus. In his first season at the Old Lady, he emerged with the Capocannoniere, having found the back of the net 28 times. Juve would win the Scudetto that year, as well as the following two years – Charles’ unique bundle of tremendous power, acceleration and wonderful aerial ability terrorising defenders across the nation.
Precociously talented, the broad shouldered 6’2” Welshman was nicknamed “Il Gigante Buono” – The Gentle Giant – for his philosophy of never intentionally hurting opposing players despite the punishment he often endured (and the obvious fact that most players of his size were traditionally known for their violent use of their physique). The cult status he enjoyed with the Bianconeri faithful was on display for the world to see when he was voted as ‘the best overseas player’ to have ever played for the grand old club during Juve’s centenary celebrations in 1997.
From stopping opposition attacks to finishing off his own team’s forward forays – it was quite a journey for the great Welshman, and it all started off thanks to that Leeds injury crisis of 1952 and the intuitive boldness of Major Buckley.
- Original position – Centre Half
Most successful position – Centre Forward