Positioned for success: ISL players who shined after switching roles
These players changed positions and unlocked a new level in their game.
Modern football is constantly evolving and so are the roles within it. In a fast-paced league like the Indian Super League (ISL), positional flexibility isn’t just a bonus but a necessity. Coaches are always on the lookout for players who can adapt to new systems and switch roles seamlessly while still maintaining performance levels.
That adaptability can often make or break a career. But over the years, several players in the league have been asked to take on unfamiliar roles, be it due to tactical reshuffles, injuries, or simply a head coach’s vision. And in many cases, that challenge turned into an opportunity.
In this list, we put the spotlight on five players who didn’t just change positions but thrived in it. These transformations have redefined careers and in some cases, elevated entire teams.
When Dessai burst onto the scene with FC Goa, it was his blistering pace and attacking flair down the wings that caught the eye. A traditional winger in every sense, Dessai loved hugging the touchline and darting past defenders.
But all that changed in the 2018-19 season, when head coach Sergio Lobera decided to reimagine the winger’s role. Tasked with filling in at left-back, the Goan native didn’t just adapt but flourished. His energy, positional awareness and overlapping runs made him a natural fit in the new role and he soon became a mainstay in the side’s backline.
Dessai captained FC Goa to the final that season, and a year later, played a crucial role in helping them clinch the Shield in 2019-20, their first major silverware.
His chemistry with Lobera saw him follow the Spaniard to Mumbai City FC, where he enjoyed even greater success. Dessai was part of the iconic Islanders squad that did the double in 2020-21, winning both the Shield and the Cup. Even during the 2022-23 campaign, where he saw fewer minutes under Des Buckingham, he remained a valuable squad member as Mumbai City FC reclaimed the Shield.
Now donning Chennaiyin FC colours and with over 160 league appearances to his name, Dessai remains the ISL’s most experienced full-back.
Nikhil Poojary's career arc has been defined by steady transformation. He began as a winger with FC Pune City in the 2018-19 season where his agility and direct play stood out. But it was at Hyderabad FC that Poojary truly came into his own, albeit in an entirely different role.
Over five seasons with the club, Poojary underwent a gradual shift from winger to full-back, becoming one of the most reliable names on the teamsheet. He grew into the position with time, sharpening his defensive awareness while retaining his attacking instincts.
His big moment came during the 2021-22 season when he was a regular starter in Hyderabad FC’s Cup-winning squad, proving his mettle as a midfielder.
The following season Hyderabad FC finished second in the league once again and reached the semis and Poojary thrived as a defender this time. That campaign not only cemented his place as one of the league's best Indian full-backs but also earned him a return to the Indian national team.
By the time he left Hyderabad FC for Bengaluru FC in 2024, Poojary had become one of the most successful and versatile Indian players in recent memory.
When Edwin Vanspaul signed for Chennaiyin FC ahead of the 2019-20 season, he was largely viewed as a dependable right-back coming in from the I-League. But destiny and Owen Coyle had other plans.
With Chennaiyin FC struggling near the bottom of the table at one point, Coyle made a bold tactical switch by pushing Vanspaul into central midfield. The result was instant.
In his new box-to-box role, Vanspaul looked like his natural self. His tireless work rate, pressing ability and smart passing added a new dimension to Chennaiyin FC’s midfield. The team’s form improved dramatically and they went on to reach the ISL final that season – a remarkable turnaround from their early struggles. And Vanspaul was right at the heart of that resurgence.
Although the seasons that followed saw Chennaiyin FC go through coaching changes and squad revamps, Vanspaul remained a trusted presence in midfield before making the switch to East Bengal FC in 2023.
Prabhu’s first taste of the ISL came in the 2022-23 season with Odisha FC, but chances were few and far between. The centre-back switched to FC Goa midway through the campaign and managed just five appearances that season for both teams combined. But a move to Punjab FC ahead of the 2023-24 season would change everything.
Punjab FC handed Prabhu a defensive midfield role and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Sitting just in front of the backline, he shielded the defence expertly, broke up play with crucial interceptions and was vital in transitions. It was clear from early in the season that the Shers had found a gem.
Despite the team undergoing struggles at the start, Prabhu remained a reliable fixture in the lineup. He helped Punjab FC stay competitive and finish a respectable eighth in their debut season.
At Punjab FC, Prabhu continued to impress as a holding midfielder in the 2024-25 season. He has topped the league’s interception charts for two seasons running and has become one of the most consistent Indian players in that role.
5) Boris Singh
Many footballers are asked to switch positions but few have embraced the change quite like Boris Singh.
After making a name for himself as an exciting winger with Jamshedpur FC, Singh joined FC Goa ahead of the 2023-24 season. His flair and eye for goal made him an instant fan favourite. But it was the following season that truly highlighted his adaptability.
Under head coach Manolo Marquez, he was deployed as a right full-back which was a bold move considering his attacking pedigree. But instead of struggling with defensive duties, Singh evolved. Match after match, he showcased the kind of dual-threat modern full-backs are known for and made the position his own.
In the 2024-25 season, Singh contributed a goal and an assist while helping FC Goa establish themselves as one of the stingiest defences in the league. His work rate, ability to cover ground and fearless approach made him a standout performer as the Gaurs reached the semi-final once again.
Plenty of wingers have tried transitioning to full-back but not all have succeeded. Singh, on the other hand, has only grown stronger. He’s become a crucial piece in one of the ISL’s most competitive sides.
