Top ten current Premier League veterans

6. Giorgos Karagounis

Club: Fulham FCAge: 36

The combative Greek midfielder has gained quite a cult reputation at Fulham where his energy, enthusiasm and passion has rubbed off well with the Fulham faithful. Having played for Greek giants Pananthinaikos and other European super powers like Internazionale and Benfica, one does expect some class from the Greek superstar.

Karagounis was also a part of the now fabled Greek side that shocked Europe, if not the world, by winning Euro 2004. His performances for Fulham have also earned him many plaudits. Recently, in the game against Arsenal, his substitute appearance sparked on a mini revival for the West London club, who came within a whisker of taking the 3 points from Arsenal. The Greeks are known for their mythological characters and if football had its own mythology, then Karagounis would feature as one of those Greek heroes.

5. Sylvain Distin

Club: Everton FCAge: 35

The French centre-back has formed the backbone of Everton’s defence for many a season now. The former Portsmouth and Manchester City man has a calm and composed stature at all times and has marshalled the Everton defence with aplomb. His performances this season too have been excellent. He now holds the record of the most number of appearances for a foreign outfield player with 402 appearances.

He was also named Everton’s player of the season last year and was vice captain of the Portsmouth side that lifted the FA Cup in 2008. Having signed a 1-year deal, the Toffees have a stable head at the heart of their defence in the new Martinez era.