A Change Of Role...

To think that only a few seasons ago, Gareth Bale was playing as a Left Back.

His Development under Redknapp and now AVB, has seen him grow from a shy young lad into one of the most dangerous, attacking, sought after players in European football. The coaching he has received in recent years has allowed him the freedom to become who he wants to be. (obviously the guy has an immense amount of raw talent too).

It got me thinking. - Firstly, what other players in the past have developed into a different role entirely? I can't think of any who have made such a dramatic change.

Also, Looking at current players in the premier league, are there others that possess the right skill sets to be moulded into a different position? if so, Who and Why?
Are there currently any players out there that you feel are being held back by their coach/manager, as they are failing to spot an opportunity for that player to grow?
Are there players who should be moving on to, perhaps, a club where the manager is more suited to them and will get the best out them/ give them that freedom?

 

I think a lot of players with raw ability could play another role but they tend not to be as managers build the teams around them in their preferred role. I think Verts could be a decent defensive midfielder, but i doubt he will ever get used there.
Giggs and Beckham have both changed roles (in the twilights of their careers tbf), but not as dramatic as left back>centre forward.
Henry was a winger but ended up one of the best strikers in the world.

Gary Doherty could play anywhere.
Doherty > Bale

 

A lot of players used to move backwards through teams as they got older. Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin are good examples.

 

Thierry Henry is the obvious example of changing from winger to a goal scorer role that Bale's playing, and Walcott is the most obvious to be held back from that.

 

Fernando Torres has been transformed from a £50m international striker into a waste of space. Does that count?

 

Beat me too it.

 

Kenny Burns went from centre forward with Birmingham to the best centre half around at Forest under Clough.

Lee Sharpe went from left wing to left back at Utd.

Dublin actually went from centre forward to centre half.

Oldham centre half Paul Warhurst went from centre half to centre forward (with Blackburn and Sheff Wed). As did his teammate Ian Marshall.

 

Andy Townsend would make a great traffic warden.

 

He'd still need parking line technology to see if the wheel is over it or not.

 

This is why I hardly ever start threads. I'm useless.

One of you might as well shut this down!

 

Shut it down, why?

Chris Sutton was a CB at Norwich before converting to striker.

 

Titus Bramble is still waiting to convert into a player.

 

Ledley King changed from a box-tobox midfielder to a centre-back.

Judas changed from striker to centre-back.

 

Alan Shearer turned from a petulant, dirty striker to a ****e pundit.

 

Was Ashley cole a striker to begin with?

 

Gomes hadn't played in goal until he was 16, started out as a striker. Perhaps explains a few things

 

Adam Le Fondre was even born on a bench.

 

Nothing wrong with your OP Roo it's just our warped sense of humour, not forgetting the arch warp notso.

Actually it was me who started it.

 

I changed my role to Cheese & Tomato.






Sorry I'm on a role.

 

haha, the comments have been hilarious!

I just thought I'd be serious for a change. Instead, karma has bitten me in the arse!