Players who got better in their thirties.

The T-Dex · December 17, 2015

People always talk about a decline in ability as a player ages, I'd like us to do the reverse in this thread.

Please post your working out if you would like to, or don't, it's up to you.

First up is my man Aritz Aduriz, striker for Athletic Club de Bilbao. Now at the age of 34, he has scored at least 18 goals in all competitions for the last four years after only doing so once in the 15 previous.

He has already got 20 in all competitions this year.

Plus he is dead good at heading. Which is just fantastic.

ilikecheese · December 17, 2015

Howard and Osman fo sho.

The T-Dex · December 17, 2015

ilikecheese said:
Howard and Osman fo sho.

Y u do dis?

ilikecheese · December 17, 2015

AdamDex said:
Y u do dis?

Mostly cause I couldn't think of a good answer.

TBF you could make an argument for both. Ossie made his England debut at what age?

The T-Dex · December 17, 2015

ilikecheese said:
Mostly cause I couldn't think of a good answer.

TBF you could make an argument for both. Ossie made his England debut at what age?

31 if I am not mistaken. A valid point, and you did show working out.

ilikecheese · December 17, 2015

AdamDex said:
31 if I am not mistaken. A valid point, and you did show working out.

Vardy's 28...will be 29 in Jan...unbelievable what he's been doing...doesn't quite make the cut for this thread.

The T-Dex · December 17, 2015

ilikecheese said:
Vardy's 28...will be 29 in Jan...unbelievable what he's been doing...doesn't quite make the cut for this thread.

He has his own thread, if he didn't I would maybe make an allowance.

DualityNSNO · December 17, 2015

A lot of central-oriented players have amazing seasons past their 30's it seems, probably because in the positions they play positioning and reading the game is half the battle won basically.

Distin, anyway, seemed to get better and better by the year until he forgot how to play football all of a sudden.

summerisle · December 17, 2015

Stanley Matthews : 38, when playing in the 1953 FA cup final, afterwards known as the Matthew's final. First European footballer of the year aged 41. Played his last international at 42. Moved to Stoke, increased attendances from 9,000 to 36,000 and achieved promotion when aged 47. Retired at 50.

The T-Dex · December 17, 2015

DualityNSNO said:
A lot of central-oriented players have amazing seasons past their 30's it seems, probably because in the positions they play positioning and reading the game is half the battle won basically.

Distin, anyway, seemed to get better and better by the year until he forgot how to play football all of a sudden.

Even though you're right about distin, my disdain for him kind of makes me want to fight you.

The T-Dex · December 17, 2015

summerisle said:
Stanley Matthews : 38, when playing in the 1953 FA cup final, afterwards known as the Matthew's final. First European footballer of the year aged 41. Played his last international at 42. Moved to Stoke, increased attendances from 9,000 to 36,000 and achieved promotion when aged 47. Retired at 50.

Bloody hell. Never knew that about him.