Since it’s inception in 1992, the Premier League has witnessed some of the best footballers in the world and has risen to become one of the toughest football leagues on the planet. And to survive in a league as such, a footballer must be made of more than flesh and blood.
There are several players beyond the age of 30 still playing in the Premier League who can still put the youngest of talents to shame. Some of these players have shown time and again, why they are the best and still playing a key role at their clubs despite their age.
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Let’s take a look at five of the best footballers in the Premier League who are above the age of 30.
#5 James Milner – 31
James Milner has been a constant fixture in the Premier League since he made his debut as a 16-year-old in 2002 for Leeds United. The former Manchester City midfielder who turned 31 recently seems to be in his best playing years with Liverpool. After leaving Manchester City to join Liverpool in 2015, Milner has brought experience and leadership that club required following the departure of Steven Gerrard.
After Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers as the manager of Liverpool, there were lots doubts raised about Milner’s role in his team. But to everyone’s surprise, Milner featured more frequently than any other midfielder from the Reds squad. This season, Milner has found himself playing in an unfamiliar position, as left-back for the Reds, replacing the struggling Alberto Moreno, and excelling beyond anybody’s wildest imagination.
With at least three more seasons left in his engine, Milner could possibly end his club career at Liverpool and hopefully bring silverware to Merseyside.
#4 Laurent Koscielny – 31
After joining Arsenal from then newly promoted club Ligue 1 club, Lorient in 2010, the French defender has come leaps and bounds to establish himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League. Having spent over six years with Arsenal FC, the Frenchman is one the longest serving players in the current Arsenal squad.
The 31-year-old is known to be an intelligent and proactive footballer who is quick and comfortable with the ball at his feet. He formed a solid partnership with German, Per Mertesacker, and in the current season, the French defender has a good partnership with summer signing Shkodran Mustafi at the back.
Koscielny is one of the most important players for Arsenal and has made nearly 280 appearances for them.
(Video Courtesy: The Arsenal YouTube Channel)
#3 Gary Cahill – 31
Impressive performances for Bolton in the Premier League prompted Chelsea to sign English centre-back, Gary Cahill, in 2011, and the England international has developed into a world class defender for the Blues. The 31-year-old centre-back has been a regular starter for the Blues this season, featuring alongside David Luiz and César Azpilicueta in the Chelsea back three.
Cahill became the fastest player in the Premier League to win five major titles within a span of just three years when he lifted the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup and the Premier League trophies. Along with his defensive capabilities, Cahill can also chip in with a goal and is one of the finest headers of the ball in the Premier League; the English defender already has five goals to his credit in this campaign.
(Video Courtesy: thelb7i YouTube Channel)
His tremendous ability to read the game has often helped Chelsea get out of difficult situations over the years. With John Terry coming close to retirement, Cahill could soon take up the role of captain of the Blues and fill the boots of the Chelsea legend on and off the pitch.
#2 Jermain Defoe – 34
Spotted playing for Charlton Athletic at the tender age of 16, Jermaine Defoe was quickly snapped up by West Ham United in 1999. The 5’7” striker played his first full season for the Hammers in 2001-02 where he ended up with 14 goals by the end of the campaign. Following two more seasons of impressive goal scoring, Defoe made his way to the White Hart Lane in the 2003-4 season.
The English striker didn’t take too much time to settle down racking up seven goals in 15 appearances that season followed by 22 goals in the next which also saw him win the Tottenham Hotspur player of the year award for his efforts. Defoe took a short detour in 2014 when he joined MLS side, Toronto FC before returning to the Premier League with Sunderland FC later in the season.
(Video Courtesy: byShowtime YouTube Channel)
The English striker helped the Black Cats survive relegation in the last two seasons and will hope to do the same this year. Defoe has 14 goals to his credit this season and is giving the young strikers in the league a run for their money! Sunderland manager, David Moyes will hope that the Englishman keeps up his good form as it looks likes his incredible goal scoring can only keep the side in the league.
#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 35
The big man from Sweden just can’t cease to amaze football fans all over having been in the game for almost two decades. Ibrahimovic is probably the most productive striker the game of football has ever seen with more than 400 goals in 700 appearances.
The 35-year-old has played for the biggest clubs in Europe including the likes of Barcelona, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and now Manchester United. Before his move to Old Trafford, Ibrahimovic was written off by pundits and rivals who insisted that his best years in football have passed him. But just like he always does, Zlatan let his feet and head do the talking, scoring 20 goals for the Red Devils this season.
For a man who is paid £250,000 a week, Ibrahimovic has been worth every penny so far this season.
(Video Courtesy: VanemasHD YouTube Channel)
