While football fans prefer to focus on youth prospects, there are those who defy their age to continue plying their trade at the highest level and excel. With that in mind, WhoScored.com present Europe’s Golden Oldies, of players in Europe aged 35 and older to have made four or more league appearances this season.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – WhoScored.com rating 7.25
The worst kept secret in football was revealed in the summer when Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirmed his move to Manchester United. The former Sweden international ran down his contract at PSG and secured a long-anticipated move to the Premier League. He started the campaign strongly, netting four goals in the opening four games of the campaign, but has since failed to net in his last four top-flight outings, his worst run in league competition since January 2015.
The 35-year-old is averaging more shots per game (5.1) than any other Premier League player, with Ibrahimovic as confident in his goalscoring ability as ever. He’s created the third-most clear-cut goalscoring opportunities (3) in England’s top tier this term, with the experienced frontman selflessly creating for teammates in United’s pursuit of goal. Given Ibrahimovic’s history, his current barren goalscoring run can be considered a minor blip, with the striker continuously proving that age is but a number.
Joaquin – WhoScored.com rating 7.25
Having returned to Real Betis last summer, Joaquin has rolled back the years in his second season back at the Benito Villamarin. The winger is renowned for his dribbling ability and despite his age, is successfully navigating his way past opponents having averaged more dribbles per game (2.4) than any other Real Betis player in La Liga this season.
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Furthermore, the Spaniard is making more key passes per game (1.7) than any other teammate for the Seville-based outfit. Such have been the quality of his outings that he is keeping on-loan wideman Charley Musonda out of the starting XI, with Joaquin’s experience playing a key role for Gus Poyet’s side.
Francesco Totti – WhoScored.com rating 7.31
Three of Francesco Totti’s four league appearances this season have come from the bench, but that hasn’t stopped the 40-year-old from playing a vital role for Roma this season. Indeed, his WhoScored rating (7.31) is the fifth best of all players for the club, having been a huge influence for the Rome side as games wear on.
Only youngster Joel Pohjanpalo (4) has been directly involved in more goals as a sub than Totti (3) in Europe’s top six leagues this season, with the Italian continuing to thrive under Luciano Spalletti despite his age. The ‘King of Rome’ looks set to call time on his career once the season comes to an end, but his performances for his club suggests he could comfortably continue to ply his trade at the highest level for Roma beyond next summer.
Gareth Barry – WhoScored.com rating 7.33
When Ronald Koeman took charge of Everton in the summer, changes were needed. The Toffees had developed a soft underbelly and were easily overcome by opponents. With the Dutchman in charge, however, Everton are a far stronger side, with the experienced Gareth Barry forming an effective partnership alongside summer arrival Idrissa Gueye in the middle of the park. His start against Manchester City means Barry has made 603 Premier League appearances and one wouldn’t bet against him breaking Ryan Giggs’ record (632) before retiring.
Despite his age, Barry is one of only two Everton players to start every league games this campaign, with his defensive resilience and ball retention qualities his stand out traits. Only Gueye (5.4 and 59.8) is averaging more tackles and passes per game, respectively, than Barry (3.8 and 52.5) of all Everton players this term. The Englishman’s style of play means he can prolong his career, particularly with more mobile midfielders carrying out the larger share of the defensive work.
Dirk Kuyt – WhoScored.com rating 7.52
A welcome addition to the golden oldies list as far as Liverpool fans are concerned, Dirk Kuyt continues to defy his age with Feyenoord making a smashing start to the Eredivisie campaign. Giovanni van Bronckhort’s side have won all nine of their opening league games this season, with Kuyt playing a prominent role for the Dutch pace setters. His WhoScored rating (7.52) is the fifth best of all first team regulars for Feyenoord, while his three goals and one assist is a fine return for the 36-year-old.
17 key passes from open play is the third best return in the Eredivisie this campaign, with Kuyt willingly bringing teammates into play. His influence in the final third is having a positive effect on the team, with Feyenoord having scored more league goals (25) than any other Eredivisie team this term. Conversely, no player has been subbed off in the Dutch top-flight more times than the Feyenoord captain (7), but this suggests that Van Bronckhorst is managing his compatriot’s time on the pitch accordingly, with the team benefitting tremendously.
Aduriz – WhoScored.com rating 7.59
Arguably Athletic Club’s most consistent performer in recent seasons, Aduriz continues to excel as Los Leones’ lone frontman. Only Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez (both 6) have scored more goals than the 35-year-old (5) in La Liga this season. The Spain international is once again on track to break the double-figure barrier for the fifth successive league campaign for the Basque giants as Aduriz continues to flourish for Athletic.
Indeed, only Pedro Leon (3) has earned more WhoScored man of the match awards than Aduriz (2) in La Liga this season, with his power in the air arguably one of the striker’s biggest strengths. Only Deyverson (39) has won more aerial duels than the Athletic man (38) in Spain’s top tier this term. Ernesto Valverde’s side are rightly targeting a European finish again this campaign and that’s certainly doable with Aduriz in fine goalscoring form once more.
Which of these experienced performers have you been impressed with this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
