Every successful team needs it. Whether it is John O'Shea at Manchester United, Mathieu Flamini at Arsenal or even Michael Essien at Chelsea - versatility is vital.
As such, Jonathan Spector demonstrated again that he is crucial to West Ham United's progress this season with an outstanding display at the heart of the Hammers defence at Middlesbrough on Saturday. Playing alongside Matthew Upson, the American international was a commanding presence in the 2-1 comeback victory and will hope to shine again when Reading visit on Boxing Day.
"It was a fantastic win," the likeable 21-year-old, who was described as "absolutely outstanding" by his manager, said. "We didn't play as well as we could have done but we got the result. They're a good team. It's definitely an early Christmas present. It's not an easy place to come and play and the conditions also made it difficult but we held out and got the win."
The youngster known as Specs to his team-mates has been used in both full-back positions this season, as well as featuring in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role, but the weekend win at the Riverside saw his first deployment this campaign at centre-back. Despite that inexperience, he confessed it is where he perhaps sees himself settling down in future.
"I haven't played there all season. It's not easy playing in new positions but centre-back is probably my favourite. I've been given a chance to play there because of injuries. We have a lot of good players around in the squad and I think that helps raise everyone's game. I hope to get more first-team action but that's at the manager's discretion. I am hoping to cement my place in the team."
Spector is determined to make a name for himself as an established force at the Boleyn Ground, acknowledging that being moved around the team to suit the occasion "can be good and bad". He added: "Hopefully it will benefit me in the long run." On the evidence of his weekend showing, that will surely be the case - with West Ham United also reaping the rewards.