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Post by stealth1039 on Jul 5, 2008 11:52:45 GMT
It used to be said that a player did not reach their peak until the age of 28. However, neither was your first team career likely to start until maybe 22 or 23 and probably not end until 36/37. As both these milestones have most definitely reduced now what do you think are the best years of a players life?
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Post by nuneatonskyblue on Jul 5, 2008 12:07:50 GMT
well it depends alot on your position aswell
for a keeper their prime is probably when they are around 27-30 for defender around 27 for a midfeilder between 25-28 for a srtiker your looking at 22-26
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Post by stealth1039 on Jul 5, 2008 12:51:56 GMT
Good point Skyblue as the position does have a bearing on it.
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Post by Wolvensam on Jul 7, 2008 9:22:20 GMT
I would say as soon as a player hits 24 they are getting into their peak, though Sky Blue makes a valid point by bringing positions into it.
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Post by stealth1039 on Jul 7, 2008 15:17:27 GMT
Goalies in particular generally mature later but can often play until mid to late thirties or even 40 so are probably at their peak 25 - 35? Fullbacks don't keep going as long as centre backs due to the demanding nature of todays game where they have to attack as well as defend so peak from 23 to 30 whereas centre backs probably 26 to 33? Defensive midfielders again do not run as much as their creative counterparts so experience is crucial for them so I'd say the same sort of peak age as centre backs? Attacking midfielders 23 to 29 & like wise forwards? There will always be exceptions like Sir Stanley Matthews, Billy Bonds & Teddy Sheringham for instance but these would seem to be core ages or does anyone disagree?
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Post by nicco212 on Sept 23, 2008 23:33:54 GMT
Agreed , Age is imperative
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Post by stealth1039 on Sept 24, 2008 9:13:46 GMT
Wonder if it will change again in years to come?
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Post by hallmackem on Sept 24, 2008 9:19:25 GMT
Mainly for goalkeepers, experience is half the battle as knowing where to be positioned and being a commanding figure is more important than heer unbridled athleticism.
Quite often i'd say the style of player is important as well. Theo Walcott will probably peak early because he's an all action athlete. Whereas the wily old fox in the box Van Nistelrooy can keep going for while yet despite being in his thirties.
Having said that, I would expect Theo to develop a lot of awareness in years to come which will see him in good stead after his legs are shot.
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Post by stealth1039 on Sept 24, 2008 9:24:33 GMT
Would certainly agree about the style - particularly for strikers Ben. That was why I wondered if it would change again in the future as, in the past, speed had never been a particular attribute for forwards other than wingers. Now it's almost the be all & end all although there are exceptions.
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Post by hallmackem on Sept 24, 2008 9:27:24 GMT
That also means it changes for defenders. Now that they're expected to have at least a chance against the likes of Walcott.
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Post by stealth1039 on Sept 24, 2008 9:33:50 GMT
Perhaps that's why we are seeing younger players actually playing regularly in the Premiership even? Speed is now considered more important than experience - which gives you the ability to see a situation developing but maybe not the pace to cover it?
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