After Manchester United star Casemiro played as a defender in his side’s 2-0 win against Burnley on Wednesday night, we explored 5 midfielders who converted to centre-back in the past.
5 midfielders who converted to centre-back
1. Javier Mascherano turned into a world-class centre-back
Javier Mascherano is potentially the most successful example of midfielders who converted to centre-back in recent memory.
Upon joining Barcelona, the ex-Liverpool man found it impossible to play ahead of Sergio Busquets as the side’s go-to No. 6.
As a result, Mascherano was asked to deputize as a central defender in the 2008/2009 season, with Carles Puyol starting to pick up injuries.
The Argentine took to the role like a natural, and formed an incredible partnership at the back with Gerard Pique.
With Barcelona winning the sextuple in Guardiola’s first season, Mascherano was one of the most vital contributors in the side.
The veteran went on to admit that he remains grateful that Pep Guardiola utilised him in defence, as it was where he felt “most comfortable” (via ESPN).
And as they say, the rest is history.
2. Lotthar Matthaus’ transition from midfielder to centre-back is the stuff of legends
The West Germany legend is arguably the best example of midfielders who converted to centre-back.
In his 20s, Lothar Matthaus was renowned as being the complete midfielder; breaking up play constantly, being an expert passer and a set-piece specialist as well.
While this was at Inter Milan, it was at Bayern Munich where he predominantly played as a defender.
Employed as a sweeper, Matthaus’ pinpoint passing, brilliant knack for sniffing out danger and unique ability of also contributing in attack makes him one of the most well-rounded centre-halves of all time.
So much so that in 1990, the versatile operator won the Ballon d’Or during his time at Bayern.
3. Vincent Kompany: One of the best centre-backs in Premier League history
When Vincent Kompany was signed from Hamburg in 2008, he arrived with the reputation of being a gifted defensive midfielder.
However, the Belgian was soon asked to play at centre-back and ever since then, he never turned back.
Captaining the Sky Blues for much of his time at the club, the now-Burnley boss was a lionhearted defender blessed with excellent ball-playing ability.
Ask the average Premier League fan and they’re likely to put Kompany in a list involving the greatest central defenders to ever grace the division, which tells you all you need to know.
4. Javi Martinez thrived in central defence under Guardiola
Javi Martinez is another one of the countless midfielders who converted to centre-back under Pep Guardiola.
The now-Manchester City boss decided to utilise his fellow countryman in the centre of defence from his usual defensive position as he prioritized players comfortable on the ball in his back four at Bayern.
Martinez most certainly thrived, as his ball-playing ability and defensive nous made him an instant fit in his newfound role.
Considering the Champions League winner was first used in the position by Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao in the 2011/2012 season, it was no surprise to see him adapt to the role without breaking a sweat.
5. Fabinho is the most recent successful example of midfielders who converted to centre-back
This is our most recent example of said positional shift.
As Virgil van Dijk suffered a season-ending injury against Everton, while Joel Matip and Joe Gomez also struggled to stay fit, Fabinho was asked to operate as a centre-back in the 2020/2021 season.
And the Brazilian international most certainly impressed, with his brilliant nose for danger and excellence in possession bailing Liverpool out of several emergency situations.
With Fabinho’s athleticism declining, it may worth the experiment to shift him to centre-back sooner rather than later.
The Reds hero caps off our list of midfielders who converted to centre-back and to their credit, with ease.
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