The Premier League is one of the most intense competitions in the world, but there are many players 30 and above who are still thriving.
Modern day football is being taken over by a new breed of young, powerful athletes. Scouting missions today are primarily focused on identifying players with attributes such as pace and power, rather than technical ability.
That is not to say that the old school have become redundant in today’s game, however, with some of the Premier League’s finest players on the wrong side of 30.
Here we take a look at a select XI consisting of players from England’s top flight, all of whom are entering the twilight of their careers’.
GK – Petr Cech:
Arsenal’s Petr Cech
The 34-year-old Arsenal stopper boasts one of the most highly-decorated CV’s in the English game, with four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, a Champions League and a Europa League winners medal to his name.
RB – Pablo Zabaleta:
Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta
The 31-year-old Argentine has been a stalwart for Manchester City since his move to the club in 2008, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups.
LB – Leighton Baines:
Everton’s Leighton Baines
The Everton man remains a key part of the Everton squad, despite recent injury problems. His free-kick and corner-taking ability would provide the side with a great threat from set-pieces.
CB – John Terry (c):
Chelsea’s John Terry
Terry’s entry in the side is a no-brainer, and at 35-years-old, he would captain the team.
CB – Laurent Koscielny:
Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny
Widely considered as one of the best centre-backs in the league, if not Europe, the 31-year-old Frenchman seems to be getting better with age.
CDM – Santi Cazorla:
Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla in action
One of the most talented players to have graced the Premier League, the 31-year-old Spaniard has proven to be irreplaceable for Arsenal during his time spent on the sidelines through injury.
CDM – Gareth Barry:
Everton’s Gareth Barry in action
The Everton man would add balance and bite to the midfield, and would compliment Cazorla perfectly.
AML – David Silva:
Manchester City’s David Silva
Another classy Spanish import, the 30-year-old City man just has to be in the side.
AMR – James Milner:
Liverpool’s James Milner
The Liverpool utility man always gives 100 per cent no matter the occasion, and his work-rate combined with an excellent delivery ensures that he made the XI.
ACM – Wayne Rooney:
Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney in action
Despite his struggles of late, Rooney boasts a record in the game that can be matched by few.
With five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups and a Champions League to his name, he is one of England’s most successful players of all-time.
CF – Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
Another United man in the line-up, and who could argue with Zlatan’s inclusion. Technically brilliant, and wonderfully entertaining, he has proven that there is still plenty of life left in his 35-year-old body.
With an average age of 32.18, and a combined haul of 859 international caps, who says that football isn’t an old man’s game anymore?
Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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