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Out of position XI: Alan Smith, Javier Mascherano, Michael Owen feature

Javier Mascherano, Alan Smith, Michael Owen
Image: Javier Mascherano, Alan Smith and Michael Owen have all played out of position

James Milner has thrived at left-back for Liverpool. But which other players have had success in different positions?

Having previously played in midfield, Milner has impressed in defence for the Reds and is likely to line up at left-back once again on Saturday in the Merseyside derby, live on Sky Sports, even though he admits he does not like the role.

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With Milner's switch in mind, here's an XI of some others players who have performed out of position...

Goalkeeper: Jorge Campos

Not only did the former Mexico international play as a goalkeeper and a striker, but he sometimes played both positions during the same game.

During a match between Atlante and Cruz Azul in 1996, Campos was taken out of goal and stuck up front, with a substitute goalkeeper taking his place between the sticks.

Campos proceeded to score a superb scissor kick to earn Atlante a draw.

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Left-back: James Milner

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James Milner talks about playing at left-back for Liverpool

For someone who does not like playing at left-back, Milner has done a more than serviceable job in the position for Liverpool this season.

Previously used in midfield at club level and internationally, it was Jurgen Klopp who decided to give Milner a go at left-back.

"Football has changed in the last few years and you need different players with different skills for different positions than before," explained the Reds boss.

Centre-back: Michael Carrick

Primarily a midfielder, Carrick has played at centre-back a few times throughout his career.

He was deployed there by Louis van Gaal in Manchester United's 3-0 win over Liverpool in December 2014 and also against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League last season.

With his height and ball-playing skills he has some key centre-back attributes - but Jose Mourinho is yet to give the idea a trial.

Centre-back: Javier Mascherano

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 28:  Bolo Zenden of Sunderland is tackled by Javier Mascherano of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match between Liv
Image: Javier Mascherano in action as a midfielder for Liverpool

Not only did Mascherano play in midfield during his time in the Premier League at West Ham and Liverpool, but he also plays there with Argentina, including in the 2014 World Cup final.

However, at Barcelona he has been used at centre-back, and puts it down to a tackle he made on Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner in 2011.

"That tackle changed everything," he told The Guardian. "I found my position and I've been there all these years, trying to keep my place and keep this level."

Out of Position XI Graphic
Image: How the Out of position XI team lines up

Right-back: Michail Antonio

A winger during his time with Reading, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, Antonio has been used on the right side of defence at West Ham.

"It is hard work playing full-back but as a winger, I go up and down anyway, so it's not much of a difference," he said.

"It's just one of those things, no matter what position you play me, I'm still going to try to get up there and get a goal."

Antonio has also played as a striker for the Hammers, proving to be a useful utility player for Slaven Bilic.

Midfield: Alan Smith

FLORENCE - NOVEMBER 14:  Alan Smith of Leeds United celebrates his goal during the UEFA Cup second round second leg match between Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Leeds
Image: Alan Smith was a striker for Leeds

Smith caught the eye as a forward at Leeds, scoring nine goals in the 1998/99 season and then 18 in 2000/01 as part of the side that reached the Champions League semi-finals.

However, he was moved to the right of midfield by David O'Leary and then played as a central and defensive midfielder at Manchester United and Newcastle.

As he dropped down the leagues with MK Dons and Notts County he would play both up front and also in the middle of the pitch.

Midfield: Wayne Rooney

Rooney's role has caused plenty of debate in recent years.

As a striker he has scored enough goals to become England and Manchester United's leading scorer, but as he has got older he has dropped deeper at club and international level.

Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith said in October that Gareth Southgate faces questions over Rooney's future. "For Rooney, I think he sees his future for England in that withdrawn position. The question is, does the manager see that?"

Midfield: Pablo Zabaleta

Pablo Zabaleta celebrates after putting Manchester City ahead
Image: Pablo Zabaleta has played in midfield for Man City

Right-back Zabaleta has been used in midfield on several occasions during his time at Manchester City, most recently by Pep Guardiola against Celtic in the Champions League.

"He is really good at arriving in the box," explained Guardiola. "In the last years of his career, he is going to play more in the middle than at full-back. He has the qualities."

Attacking midfield: Michael Owen

The former Liverpool and England striker said it was an "eye-opener" to play in a deeper-lying role under Kevin Keegan at Newcastle. "I had been a striker all my life. Yet there was a real good feeling about that new role," he said.

Keegan would later say that he thought Owen could have extended his career by playing in midfield.

"Having worked with him, he could have played on for another two, three years as a midfield player, a really, world-class midfield player," he said.

Striker: Dion Dublin

Dion Dublin Aston Villa
Image: Dion Dublin played as a striker and defender

A defender turned striker turned defender, Dublin started out at the back for Norwich before impressing up front for Coventry and then Aston Villa. However, it was at Villa that he moved back into defence, a role that he appeared to take to with ease.

"I remember when I was marking Wayne Rooney, playing centre-back for Villa, and he told me I was the best centre-back he'd played against," said Dublin.

"He said he couldn't do anything, even though he was faster than me, and it's because I was anticipating where the ball would go."

Striker: Josh Magennis

Magennis made the transition from goalkeeper to striker, having started out between the sticks as a youngster at Cardiff. "If I stayed a goalkeeper I was going home," he said about the move.

The Northern Ireland international also revealed how the decision caused surprise among team-mates when he turned up for an Under-19s match. "I showed up without my gloves and they were saying, "what's going on?"' he said.

Charlton's Magennis has since won more than 20 caps for his country at senior level.

Who else should make the team? Have your say in the comments section or by tweeting @SkyFootball.

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