The following are footballers who became more successful after changing their position on the field.
5. Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany, who was regarded as one of the best center-backs in the Premier League during his time, easily converted from a defensive midfielder to a world-class defender.
Kompany was a product of the Anderlecht academy and went on to play for both Anderlecht and Hamburger SV before joining Manchester City in 2008. The Belgium international began his Premier League career as a center-back after being used in midfield. Kompany was crucial in helping Manchester City become one of England's best clubs.
Kompany played 360 times for the club in all competitions, winning four Premier League titles. The 35-year-old is considered a Manchester City legend for his leadership.
4. Bastian Schweinsteiger
Bastian Schweinsteiger, one of the best midfielders of his time, was a brilliant player for both club and country.
Schweinsteiger built his name as a technically gifted winger during his early days with Bayern Munich. During his early days with Bayern Munich's first squad, he was transformed into a central midfielder, and Schweinsteiger never looked back.
The Germany international won eight Bundesliga crowns and a Champions League triumph with Bayern Munich, and he can play in a variety of midfield positions. Schweinsteiger, a FIFA World Cup winner, had a rocky time with Manchester United and retired after a season with the Chicago Fire.
3. Thierry Henry
Many consider Thierry Henry to be the greatest Premier League player of all time.
While many people are familiar with Henry as a striker, he began his career as a winger. During his time with AS Monaco, he played on the left-wing, and during his brief stint with Juventus, he played on the flanks and occasionally as a wing-back.
In 1999, Henry joined Arsenal, where he was used as a striker by Arsene Wenger. Under Wenger's guidance, the Frenchman made 376 appearances for the club, scoring 228 goals and assisting on 105 occasions. With Arsenal, he won two Premier League titles and was a key member of the "Invincibles" club.
2. Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale has had an outstanding career at the top level, progressing from a marauding left-back to one of the best wingers in the world.
After graduating from Southampton's illustrious academy, Bale began his career as a left-back. Bale drew the attention of Tottenham Hotspur because he was physically gifted, tremendously swift, and technically powerful, and it was here that he began playing on the wings to devastating effect.
After a world-class 2012-13 season, Bale joined Real Madrid for a then-world-record sum of approximately £91 million. Despite his off-field difficulties in Spain, the Wales international has proven himself to be worth the money. With Los Blancos, he earned two La Liga crowns and four Champions League titles.
1. Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos' trophy case is self-evident. The center-back, one of the most decorated players in the game, was a talismanic figure for Real Madrid during his time there.
Ramos began his career as a gifted right-back for Sevilla. His stint with their first squad, however, was cut short when Real Madrid came calling in 2005. After a brief run at right-back, Ramos transitioned to center-back, where he flourished.
Ramos is a modern-day legend, a technically gifted and aggressive center-back. He appeared in 671 games for Real Madrid in all competitions, scoring 101 goals in the process. He was a vital figure in Spain's two European Championships and FIFA World Cup victories. On a free transfer, the 35-year-old joined Paris Saint-Germain.
