The under-appreciated influence of the veterans

We are told that football is becoming much faster these days, implying that speed and stamina are of paramount importance to the game, meaning, by extension, that it is becoming a young man’s game. If this were true and only the freshness and vigor of the youth were important (along with their footballing ability of course), then Arsenal would have won the league with their youth policy a few years ago. Though they played admirable, and sometimes sublime football, their tendency to break down in crunch situations and their lack of leadership since the departure of Patrick Viera, and to an extent Thierry Henry, hit them hard. Yes, the game is quicker, but doesn’t experience count for something?

Chelsea looks to be a club poised to make the squad younger, with all their new signing under the age of 25. This in itself is not a problem; but the fact that they are letting the older players go is worrying. Imagining the Chelsea side winning the Champions League last year without the physical presence, opportunism and the big-game mentality of Didier Drogba or the ability and experience of Frank Lampard (especially in the semis against Barcelona) is impossible.

Lampard’s continual performances at the top level to this day, despite the fact that his contract will not be renewed, speak volumes about his character and mentality. Then there is the curious case of Andrea Pirlo – deemed surplus to requirements at AC Milan, he has gone on to Juventus and shown that like fine wine, he only got better with age.

Contrary to the actions of the former clubs, Manchester United still has two outstanding veterans in their squad in Ryan Giggs (38) and Paul Scholes (37), who still perform admirably when called upon. In the recent tie against West Ham, Ryan Giggs provided the assist to Robin Van Persie with a long ball hit on the half volley and showed the world that while he may have lost his explosive pace, his ability and experience are still valuable assets.

Sir Alex Ferguson is one among a few top managers, who understands the importance of these players. They may no longer be regulars on the team sheet, but they are great ambassadors for the club and their presence in the locker room as leaders is very influential. Similarly, players like Javier Zanetti and Carles Puyol all perform at a high level despite being on the wrong side of 30; and with the latter signing a contract extension with Barcelona until 2016, it shows just how much he is valued by, arguably, the biggest club in the world despite his age and injury concerns.

While it is true that football has grown more faster and demanding than in the olden days and the veteran players may no longer be able to play full 90 minutes at the same high tempo, their value should never be underestimated as they have tremendous amounts of influence, knowledge, wisdom, and leadership that is as important, if not more, as their abilities on the field.