5 players unlikely to decline with age
Maldini was arguably the best defender of all timeIt has been rightfully observed that everything has a shelf life, but it’s surely harder for sportspersons to see their fame and livelihood slip away in their mid-thirties. Some retire, others move to smaller teams, but then there are a chosen few like Shane Warne, Gianluigi Buffon, and Paolo Maldini, who only seem to improve with age.The following piece analyzes five more players likely to join the pantheon in the coming years, always looking to evolve to counter the vagaries of age and continue playing in a mesmerizing fashion.
#5 Carlos Tevez (Boca Juniors/Argentina)
The Argentine went on to play a critical role in Juventus’ near-treble campaign last year, emerging as a combative presence at the tip of the attack, frustrating defenders in a league widely noted for its quality of defending. However, personal reasons led him to seek a return home to Boca Juniors, where he will be expected to trouble the score keepers on a regular basis.
Having spent the past 2-3 years on the fringes of the Argentine national team, a firing Tevez may well force a rethink for Gerardo Martino, given his passion on the pitch and the fact that Argentina, for all their talents, have never really found the perfect combination in attack.
The move home may well be a stroke of genius for the former Manchester City forward, given the lower emphasis on defending in South America, and the fact that Tevez is already used to the South American physicality. Add to that his work rate and Tevez might just succeed without the same quality of service he had at Juventus.
Far from having disappeared from the national team, Tevez may just have found his way back with this switch. Boca fans should rightfully expect a goal rush this season.