In an era of three games a week and frequent injuries, versatile footballers are more useful to managers than ever.
We take a look at the Premier League players who have mastered playing in multiple positions.
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
It is not a coincidence that some of the most adaptable players in the country play under master tactician Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Bernardo Silva is arguably as versatile as they come, making a success of multiple roles and positions in nearly seven years at the Etihad Stadium.
The Portuguese star is very comfortable in central midfield or on the right wing.
He has also featured at left-back, as a false nine and briefly switched to the left flank during Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Joe Gomez (Liverpool)
Starting in midfield at Nottingham Forest on Saturday added another string to the bow of Joe Gomez, who has been a crucial player for Jurgen Klopp this season.
The 26-year-old has also covered both full-back positions during the absences of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson — and would still say his best position is centre-back.
That versatility may pique the interest Gareth Southgate, who could afford to pick an extra attacker in his Euro 2024 squad if he selects enough flexible defenders like Gomez.
Pascal Gross (Brighton)
Full-backs are becoming accustomed to stepping into midfield in the modern era but not many can genuinely switch between both positions with a click of their fingers as comfortably as Pascal Gross.
Gross sees the majority of his playing time in the middle of the pitch but has also played over 200 minutes in each of the two full-back roles this season.
He has combined flexibility with arguably also being Brighton’s star man, producing more Premier League goal involvements than any of his team-mates.
Ashley Young (Everton)
Ashley Young has become a master of all trades during his long career.
The 38-year-old broke through at Watford as a mazy winger who could play upfront before evolving into a wicked deliverer of crosses from both open play and set-pieces for Aston Villa and Manchester United.
Now a wily full-back with a penchant for a booking, Young has ticked plenty of boxes during his 18-year stint in the English and Italian top flights.
John Stones (Manchester City)
John Stones’ versatility is unique in the sense that he plays in multiple positions all at once.
Carded as a central defender for City, Stones spends the majority of the game elsewhere, stepping in to support Rodri and often making forays into the final third both on and off the ball.
Whether the 29-year-old could function so well as a conventional midfielder or is at his best when picking and choosing his moments is up for debate.
But you would fancy his chances of doing a job in any position through the spine of Guardiola’s team.