Google “soccer benefits playing multiple positions” and you get a lot of hits. Over 84 million. That’s a lot. Somewhere out there, there must be some sites that suggest you pick your favourite position and never play anywhere else. But I didn’t find any of those sites. I did find these useful tidbits though:
The benefits for young players playing in different positions are massive. Developing game understanding is a vital part of the education of young players, the best way to learn this skill is to occupy different areas of the pitch.
https://alliancefootballclub.com/why-playing-in-different-positions-is-vital-for-young-footballers/
For young players, the benefits of playing in different positions are huge and so evident to see as players grow up. Developing a whole round game understanding is a vital part of the education of young players…
https://www.uniteddragonsfc.com/talk-dragons/benefits-of-playing-in-multiple-positions
…at the youth level, players should be experiencing every single position on the field and should not be nailed down to just one position. The benefits of rotating players around different positions is undeniable.
https://themastermindsite.com/2018/10/14/moulding-players-into-specific-positions-a-case-for-developing-confidence/
If you want to be the best player you can be, you need to play in different positions. It will make you a better player because you’ll develop a broader skill set and get a greater appreciation of what’s required in each position. Strikers have an advantage from knowing how a defender thinks, and what better way to learn how a defender thinks than by playing in defence for a bit!
Or picture this scenario: in a few years’ time, you’re playing for an adult side, at a decent amateur standard. Your team’s trying to win the league, so there’s no room for sentiment. You’re a good player, but you’re only really good as a fullback. Trouble is, your team’s got two fullbacks who used to play professionally. You’re on the bench. You can’t get on the field, even though your left winger’s pretty ordinary. But you can’t play there because you never learnt the nuances of the position. If only you’d… well, you get the point.
So, please expect to play in different positions at times. You may even find that you’re better suited to a different position than the one you thought was your best. It might be uncomfortable for a bit, but give it a go and it’ll help your game. It’s a case of short term comfort versus long term fulfilment.
You’re used to that idea: just because you like something doesn’t mean it’s always the best thing for you.
That’s why you don’t get to eat pizza everyday.