A look at players set for new roles in 2015/16.
1) Daley Blind (Manchester United)
Having played mainly as a central midfielder or left-back last season, Daley Blind has largely been used at centre-back for Manchester United in pre-season so far, suggesting he may be seen as the answer in that position as the club have missed out on top targets like Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi.
SEE ALSO:
Manchester United transfers: Reds to wrap up £66m DOUBLE deal this week, including move for Arsenal target
Arsenal to launch EPIC £72m bid to send a clear message to title rivals Chelsea, Man Utd & Man City
(Image Gallery) Daniella Chavez: 34 photos of Naked playboy model who had alleged affair with Cristiano Ronaldo
2) Ashley Young (Manchester United)
Used as a surprise option at left-back or wing-back last season, Ashley Young could be set to return to a more attacking role this season as the club look set to let Angel Di Maria go to Paris Saint-Germain.
3) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Another change expected at United, Wayne Rooney should return to his more familiar role as central striker after playing mainly in central midfield last season. The England captain is surely at his best when he can get into the box and show his lethal finishing, so this looks a wise move by the club even if they do need to sign another striker.
4) Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Another player who could be moving up front is Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, who starred in that position in last season’s FA Cup final win over Aston Villa. The England international has often suggested he sees a more central role as his best position, and few can argue with his impressive scoring statistics, while Olivier Giroud is also arguably unreliable as first choice.
5) Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
In another move from out wide to up front, Manchester City’s new signing Raheem Sterling did play in a kind of false-9 role for Liverpool at times last season, but may now be part of a more standard front two with Sergio Aguero. Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko are surely leaving City, while Wilfried Bony has not impressed since his move to the club in January, leaving a space there for the £49m man.
6) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Once again moving from out wide to up front, Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo now seems to be first choice centre-forward under new manager Rafael Benitez, which makes sense given his incredible scoring record and prowess in the air.
7) Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
Having played on both flanks so far at Real Madrid, Gareth Bale is now being used mostly centrally for the Spanish giants in pre-season, in a similar free role to the one he had in his final season at Tottenham.