Top 5 players over 30 in 2013

2. Andrea Pirlo (34)

Andrea Pirlo has reasserted himself as one of the world’s finest central midfielders in the latter part of his career, and his passing range has split though the best defences in the world. The Italian possesses excellent dead ball abilities, plays a role deep in midfield, orchestrating from the back as a regista, where his passing range, composure and creativity come to the fore.

He is the reigning Serie A Player and Italian Player of the Year and was named in the Confederations Cup Team of the Tournament and surpassed the 100 cap mark for the Azzuri.

Juventus rampaged to a third straight Serie A title last season under Antonio Conte, and his imperious form has seen Juventus finish the year at the top of the table.

“Players like Andrea are hard to find because they have such extraordinary ball technique. He brings calm to the team in possession and anticipates play. Adding those talents to an organised system where everybody knows what they have to do, his qualities come out even better.” – Antonio Conte on Andrea Pirlo

Again one glitch would be the fact that Juventus were knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage only, which would see them shift the focus on the league.