Footballers Who Revolutionized Their Positions: From Beckenbauer to Messi

Throughout history, some individuals players have transcended traditional positional expectations, setting new standards for generations to follow. From Franz Beckenbauer’s reinvention of the sweeper role to Lionel Messi’s mastery of the false nine, these footballers have changed the game forever. For those who love watching football’s greatest talents in action, Xoilac TV provides a seamless way to enjoy live matches from around the world.

The evolution of football positions

Football tactics have never been static. As the sport has progressed, formations and playing styles have undergone significant transformations. While the early years of the game focused on rigid positioning, the introduction of strategic flexibility led to the emergence of players who redefined their roles on the pitch. These footballers did not merely excel in their positions—they reinvented them, paving the way for new tactical approaches that remain influential today.

Franz Beckenbauer – The sweeper (libero)

Before Franz Beckenbauer, defenders were primarily tasked with stopping attacks and clearing the ball. The German legend introduced an entirely new concept: the libero, or sweeper. Unlike traditional center-backs, Beckenbauer combined defensive solidity with playmaking ability, initiating attacks from deep positions with his exceptional passing and dribbling.

His ability to step out of defense and dictate play revolutionized the role of center-backs, influencing modern ball-playing defenders such as Virgil van Dijk and Sergio Ramos. Without his tactical innovation, today’s emphasis on defenders contributing to build-up play might never have developed to the same extent.

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Johan Cruyff – The total football forward

Johan Cruyff was more than just a world-class forward—he was the embodiment of “Total Football,” a tactical philosophy that emphasized fluidity and positional interchangeability. While strikers of his era were expected to remain in fixed attacking zones, Cruyff roamed freely, dropping into midfield, linking play, and orchestrating attacks.

His dynamic movement and technical brilliance allowed him to act as both a creator and a finisher. This redefined the expectations of attacking players, paving the way for modern hybrid forwards like Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema, who seamlessly transition between goal-scoring and playmaking roles.

Paolo Maldini – The art of defending as a full-back and center-back

Defensive roles have traditionally been separated into specific duties—full-backs provided width, while center-backs focused on stopping attackers. Paolo Maldini, however, excelled in both positions, demonstrating an unmatched ability to read the game, time his tackles, and adapt to different defensive responsibilities.

His intelligence and composure on the ball allowed him to extend his career at the highest level, seamlessly transitioning from an attacking full-back to a dominant center-back in his later years. His legacy lives on in modern defenders like David Alaba and João Cancelo, who comfortably switch between multiple defensive roles.

Andrea Pirlo – The deep-lying playmaker

Midfielders were traditionally divided into defensive and attacking categories, but Andrea Pirlo redefined the deep-lying playmaker role. While defensive midfielders were once expected to focus solely on breaking up opposition attacks, Pirlo introduced the concept of controlling the game from deep positions with precise passing and vision.

His ability to dictate tempo and launch attacks from deep inspired the rise of players like Sergio Busquets and Jorginho, who serve as the creative heartbeat of their teams while also providing defensive cover. Today, the role of the deep-lying playmaker is indispensable in modern football tactics.

Lionel Messi – The false nine and the ultimate playmaker

For decades, the number nine was synonymous with traditional strikers—powerful, goal-hungry forwards who thrived in the penalty box. Then came Lionel Messi, whose adaptation of the false nine role changed the way football viewed attacking play. Instead of staying high up the pitch, Messi dropped into midfield, drawing defenders out of position and creating space for teammates.

Under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, Messi’s false nine role redefined attacking football, leading to a shift toward more fluid, possession-based systems. His influence is evident in the playing styles of today’s stars, including Karim Benzema and Harry Kane, who have integrated playmaking into their attacking repertoires.

Conclusion

Beckenbauer, Cruyff, Maldini, Pirlo, and Messi each transformed their respective positions, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Their innovations continue to inspire new generations of footballers, ensuring that the game remains dynamic and ever-changing.