Redressing the balance of youth and experience

[blukaku]

I think the most striking aspect of our team, as apposed to other top sides is that we seem to have a lot of players who are either side of their "best years". Most players hit a peak at around 26- 30 and we just don't enough of these in the squad.
If you take the our first choice squad, we have Howard, Jags, Baines, Alcaraz, Distin, Hibbert, Barry, Osman, Pienaar and Kone all above 30, and Robles, Stones, Garbutt, Barkley, McCarthy, Lukaku, Besic and Oviedo all under 26. That means that the only players left are Gibson, Mcgeady and Naismith. As a percentage, that is just 14% of our squad who are supposedly at their peak.
Is this really a problem, and if so, how do you fix it?
For me, we have to clear out some of the dead wood (esp. Distin, Alcaraz, Kone and Pienaar) and invest in some decent squad players hitting their peak. For value for money, I'd really like us to look in the lower leagues as we have had a lot of success in the past.
I just hope Bobby has learnt his lessons from the likes of Alcaraz, Kone and Barry. It is a false economy. The perceived initial value for money is often outweighed by the burden that these players become in the latter years of their contract. I agree that experience in the squad is important but I think we have enough for the whole league as it stands.

 

[Daniel Gardner]

You forgot Coleman. But yes, it's quiet worrying the size of the over 30s list. Looks like Bill will be forced to get the cheque book out, not sure the lower leagues is they way to go tho.

 

[Aberblue]

I think the most striking aspect of our team, as apposed to other top sides is that we seem to have a lot of players who are either side of their "best years". Most players hit a peak at around 26- 30 and we just don't enough of these in the squad.
If you take the our first choice squad, we have Howard, Jags, Baines, Alcaraz, Distin, Hibbert, Barry, Osman, Pienaar and Kone all above 30, and Robles, Stones, Garbutt, Barkley, McCarthy, Lukaku, Besic and Oviedo all under 26. That means that the only players left are Gibson, Mcgeady and Naismith. As a percentage, that is just 14% of our squad who are supposedly at their peak.
Is this really a problem, and if so, how do you fix it?
For me, we have to clear out some of the dead wood (esp. Distin, Alcaraz, Kone and Pienaar) and invest in some decent squad players hitting their peak. For value for money, I'd really like us to look in the lower leagues as we have had a lot of success in the past.
I just hope Bobby has learnt his lessons from the likes of Alcaraz, Kone and Barry. It is a false economy. The perceived initial value for money is often outweighed by the burden that these players become in the latter years of their contract. I agree that experience in the squad is important but I think we have enough for the whole league as it stands.

Coleman is the right age. I agree about the rest, though if McGeady is at his peak .............

 

[Stanley Parker]

The trouble is, if you want to bring in good players at the peak of the powers, then it's going to be a very expensive business.

So I think getting a better balance in the squad will have to be a gradual process.

Perhaps senior, but now occasional, players like Hibbert and Distin could be replaced by players from the youth squad, who could acquire a little more experience.

 

[Pienaar's gloves]

You want to redress the youth?

Perve.

 

[Pienaar's gloves]

But aye, I agree. More Deulofeu's and fewer Barry's please.

 

[Stanley Parker]

We've certainly got a lot of senior players;

Distin 37
Howard 36
Hibbert 34
Barry 34
Pienaar 33
Osman 33
Alcaraz 32
Jagielka 32
Kone 31
Baines 30

Surprisingly, Prime Time Sport found that Manchester City had the oldest squad in the Premier League, aged 28, with Newcastle the youngest at 25.1.

 

[toffeejack]

hopefully this season was an eye opener and there will be a bit of an overhaul. i like that young spine of stones, besic, mccarthy, barkley and lukaku we have though.

it doesn't help that we're stupid enough to offer people who are about 32-33 2 and 3 year contracts. look how rapidly distin has decreased from last season, as well as barry, it happens at that age.

 

[catcherintherye]

I expect around 5 of our over 30's to leave in the summer. We have a lot of good young players coming through. Martinez has not started to unravel Moyes's squad but I think that will start this summer.

 

[SpurtingLesbian]

That said McCarthy has played nearly 300 first team games if you include internationals which is possibly more than one or two on that over 30's list.

 

[Zatara]

Look at thst list above by @Stanley Parker and think of the wages there - all but Jagielka and Baines should be punted out. Even Baines if a decent amount could be raised for him.

We need to look at the core of Garbutt Stones Besic Barkley Mccarthy and Lukaku and build on that, meaning target the same quality and same age players.

Over a couple of seasons we will see the team grow together and build consistency.

We cant go and waste more money on older players or splash out on players at their peak.

 

[Eggs]

.....usually it's about the best players and that manifests itself in a mix and balance of young and old.

 

[MikeH72]

But mate, Barry is phenomenal and in a unique moment and a key player

 

[Pabbers]

We have been let down massively by our more senior players this season.

 

[Jayumz]

all but Jagielka and Baines should be punted out. Even Baines if a decent amount could be raised for him.

Didn't Baines turn down Bayern a few years ago? I can't see him going anywhere and really hope he retires here. Ignore my profile pic..