10 Most Versatile Footballers in Premier League History [Ranked]

Versatility is undeniably one of the most valuable traits a footballer can possess. A player who can excel in multiple positions not only demonstrates an exceptional footballing intelligence but also significantly eases a manager's task. When facing an injury crisis or seeking to adjust their tactical approach, teams with versatile players can adapt seamlessly, making them invaluable assets.

In the physically demanding environment of the Premier League, versatility is crucial for every squad, whether they are battling at the bottom or vying for the title. With this in mind, let's explore some of the most positionally flexible players to have graced England's top flight.

Ranking Criteria:

• Number of positions they can play
• Skill level
• Achievements

10. Ryan Giggs

Premier League Clubs Played For: Man United

One of the greatest Welsh wingers, Ryan Giggs' position on the pitch remained largely the same throughout his career, but his style of play evolved significantly.

Initially known for his electrifying pace and dynamic wing play, Giggs had to adapt as he aged, transitioning into a more creative and intelligent player once his speed began to wane. As the Premier League's all-time record assist provider with 162 assists—49 more than second place—his exceptional footballing brain became his greatest asset.

Able to glide past defenders with ease and create chances at will, the former Wales manager proved to be one of the best players in Premier League history. On occasion, he would take on a more central role, using his vision to deliver pinpoint passes to teammates. Giggs' football intelligence was unrivaled.

9. John Stones

Premier League Clubs Played For: Everton, Man City

A six-time Premier League champion, John Stones has been an invaluable asset to Pep Guardiola. Capable of playing in central defense, full-back, and midfield, Stones is an intelligent footballer who has made significant contributions to both club and country.

Comfortable on the ball and always aware of his positioning, Stones often transitions into a midfield role when Manchester City build up attacks, using his footballing intelligence to create perfect passing angles. Willing to put his body on the line and capable of matching any forward, it's no surprise that he has been a favorite of every manager he’s played under.

His ball skills are superior to most central defenders, and his knack for scoring crucial goals further cements his place as one of the most versatile players in the game.

8. Antonio Valencia

Premier League Clubs Played For: Wigan, Man United

A highly underrated player, Antonio Valencia was an exceptional servant to Manchester United.

The Ecuadorian first joined the Premier League with Wigan, where he spent three impressive seasons before moving to Manchester United as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. While he could never replicate Ronaldo's goal contributions, Valencia's dedication and consistent performances were outstanding.

Spending ten years at United, Valencia transitioned into a right-back role as he got older, becoming one of the Premier League's best in that position. Fast, strong, and intelligent, he was the perfect full-back. A key player under Sir Alex Ferguson, his move to right-back cemented his place as one of the most versatile players in the league.

7. Bernardo Silva

Premier League Clubs Played For: Man City

This list highlights Pep Guardiola's preference for players who can fill multiple roles, and Bernardo Silva is the perfect example of this.

A key figure in the 2016/17 Monaco team that reached the Champions League semi-finals, Silva has since thrived in the Premier League. Operating in a variety of positions, including right-wing, attacking midfield, and central midfield, the Portuguese star boasts exceptional technical ability. With quick feet and an ability to glide past defenders, he creates space and delivers precise passes to teammates.

Equally tenacious, Silva often regains possession and helps restart attacks, making him central to Manchester City's style of play. Creative, intelligent, and versatile, Silva is the type of player that every manager dreams of having in their team.

6. Pascal Gross

Premier League Clubs Played For: Brighton

Pascal Groß is one of Brighton's greatest-ever Premier League players, known for his incredible versatility and unwavering consistency.

He played nearly every role in midfield, as well as at full-back and out wide, displaying remarkable technical security and rarely losing possession. A threat with both feet, the German also had a sharp eye for goal, often scoring at crucial moments for the Seagulls. His impressive performances earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund, where his elite talent is finally being fully recognized.

Gross’s versatility and dependability make him an asset to any team in the world, and he has become an integral part of the German national side.

• Ranking the 9 Most Injury-Prone Players in Premier League History
• Top 20 Premier League Goalscorers Of All Time

5. Gareth Bale

Premier League Clubs Played For: Tottenham

Gareth Bale is undoubtedly one of the Premier League's greatest players, and at the peak of his career, he was a truly exceptional talent.

His transformation from a left-back to a winger, expertly guided by Harry Redknapp, was a game-changer that turned Bale into a global superstar. Blessed with blistering pace, he could glide past defenders effortlessly, as Maicon learned the hard way in 2010. However, Bale's evolution didn’t stop there—he later thrived as a No. 10 under Andre Villas-Boas, collecting the ball in central areas and charging directly towards goal. At times, he also played as a lone striker for Wales.

An athlete with speed, strength, and intelligence, Bale became a legend at Tottenham before moving to Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles and numerous other trophies. His ability to adapt to various roles, always pushing closer to the opposition's goal, showcased his growing technical brilliance, leading managers to deploy him in ever more attacking positions.

4. Wayne Rooney

Premier League Clubs Played For: Everton, Man United

Wayne Rooney is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in English football history, maintaining an elite level throughout his career.

Starting as a fiery, raw teenager unafraid of any challenge, Rooney possessed a rare combination of speed, power, and technical skill, evident in the spectacular goals he scored. After impressing at Everton as a 16-year-old, he moved to Manchester United, where he quickly established himself as one of the Premier League's most versatile forwards. With a sharp eye for a pass and an unrelenting drive to win and score, Rooney was exceptional.

As he aged and his pace diminished, Rooney adapted by dropping deeper into midfield, where he showcased his vision and creativity through long-range passes. Still a prolific goalscorer, Rooney's ability to evolve his game kept him at the top, ensuring he remained an elite player throughout his career.

3. Ashley Young

Premier League Clubs Played For: Watford, Aston Villa, Man United, Everton

Ashley Young, once a dynamic winger, has seamlessly transitioned into a highly capable full-back as he has aged.

Now the oldest outfield player in the 2024/25 Premier League season, his longevity is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Initially rising through the ranks at Watford and Aston Villa as a pacey, skillful forward, Young earned a move to Manchester United, where he enjoyed a successful career, winning numerous trophies and establishing himself as one of the league's best.

As his pace waned, he adapted by shifting to a wing-back role, making use of his ability to play equally well with both feet on either flank. In his late 30s, particularly after joining Everton, Young fully embraced the role of an out-and-out full-back, excelling in the position. A clever footballer with impeccable technique, Young remains one of the Premier League's most versatile players.

2. James Milner

Premier League Clubs Played For: Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Man City, Liverpool, Brighton

James Milner epitomizes versatility, having been a reliable asset for every team he has played for.

Making his debut for Leeds at just 16, Milner's career has spanned over two decades, and at 38 years old, he is still performing at the highest level. Initially known for his ability as a winger who could both create and finish chances, Milner later adapted to a more central role, using his exceptional work rate and composure on the ball to great effect.

As he aged, Milner seamlessly transitioned to full-back, excelling on either flank. His selflessness and unwavering commitment to helping his team, regardless of position, are qualities every manager values. A Premier League legend, Milner has consistently delivered throughout his career, earning his place as one of the league’s most versatile players of all time.

1. John O'Shea

Premier League Clubs Played For: Manchester United, Sunderland

John O'Shea holds the rare distinction of having played in every position for Manchester United at some point during his career. Primarily a centre-back, the Irishman began his career learning the ropes in both full-back positions and defensive midfield, a common path for young defenders who aren't yet tasked with more responsibility in the heart of the defence. However, Sir Alex Ferguson saw O'Shea's potential in a variety of roles, and the versatile utility man was often deployed in big games to disrupt key opponents, playing across midfield and even on both wings.

During the 2007-08 season, an injury crisis led Ferguson to call upon O'Shea in an unfamiliar position up front. Even more astonishingly, the following season, O'Shea found himself in goal after Edwin van der Sar suffered a broken nose, stepping in as an emergency goalkeeper and even saving a shot from fellow Irishman Robbie Keane. After his move to Sunderland, O'Shea's role became more defined as he captained the side from centre-half. Throughout his career, Ferguson’s ability to utilise O'Shea’s versatility was a testament to his managerial brilliance, knowing exactly when and where to deploy the Irishman across the pitch.