Resurgent Delph & 4 more who successfully changed position

From there, the versatile youngster moved between left-midfield, wing positions and a support striker role, with his trickery, pace and finishing making him one of the Premier League’s top performers. He managed 26 goals and 15 assists in his final Spurs campaign (2012-13), before Real Madrid came calling.

Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)

After an explosive 2011-12 season in which he proved deadly on the right wing for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, the Ecuadorian endured a couple of lean years. The reasons remain hard to pinpoint, but the solution – converting Valencia to a right-back – was discovered by Louis van Gaal.

The man affectionately known to United fans as ‘Tony V’ proved a great fit for the role. With his energy, positional awareness and tidy defensive play continuing to improve since Jose Mourinho’s arrival, the 32-year-old still has plenty to give at full-back for the North-West giants.

Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

Initially deployed as a winger by Arsene Wenger at AS Monaco, the young Henry was converted into a centre-forward role by the same manager at Arsenal.

After a promising if patchy five seasons with Les Monegasques, the then 21-year-old had endured a miserable season with Juventus, and headed to North London desperately needing to revive his career.

He did so immediately, firing home 26 goals in his first season at Highbury. With an unerring eye for goal, the rapid Henry created an incredible strike partnership alongside the powerful, inventive Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp. The rest, as they say, is history…

Dion Dublin (Aston Villa)

The former England international wasn’t the first ageing centre-forward to find himself deployed at centre-back, but he might be the one who adapted best.

Dublin showed a real intelligence in his defensive reading of the game. Combined with his aerial ability and a surprising adeptness for a tough, well-timed tackle, the experienced Villan proved a hero at the heart of their backline.

Opposition strikers will certainly attest to his ability in that latter-day role. After facing Villa with Manchester United, a then 19-year-old Wayne Rooney told Dublin he was “the best centre-back” he’d played against. High praise indeed.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing