The Athletic FC Podcast Who are the Premier League's most versatile players?
11 snips
Dec 7, 2025 
Liam Tharme, a football tactics journalist known for his player role analysis, joins Michael Cox, a tactics writer with a keen eye on football systems, and Cerys Jones, a football reporter specializing in player versatility. Together, they explore the increasing positional flexibility in the Premier League. They debate Dominik Szoboszlai's optimum role, Arsenal's tactical shifts, and the intriguing conversion of Antony to a wing-back. The trio also discusses player evolution, highlighting Alex Iwobi's transition from winger to deeper roles and the versatility of Mikel Marino.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
System-Driven Positional Flexibility
- Positional flexibility has risen as players must fit systems rather than fixed roles.
- Modern fullbacks and midfielders are expected to interchange and cover multiple functions.
Bigger Squads Enable Specialisation
- Squad depth and substitution rules let managers specialise bench roles rather than force makeshift starters.
- Managers use system changes and trusted lieutenants to reshuffle players for tactical or leadership needs.
Szoboszlai’s Many Roles at Liverpool
- Dominik Szoboszlai has played right back, central midfield and on the wing for Liverpool this season.
- Despite being their best player, his best position remains unclear because Liverpool adapt him around others.