Old is still gold: Best XI of 30-plus footballers in Europe
For most footballers, the early 30s are the start of the twilight years of their career. Towards the mid-30s even the most gifted footballers tend to call it a day. This age can be a difficult time for most players as they tend to be surrounded by players who are much younger than they are and their body also develops a habit of deceiving them. That is why many top clubs tend to sell some of their top players when they turn 30, or as soon as they start to show signs of going over the hill.That being said, there are some other players who are like wine, because they just keep getting better with age. These seasoned campaigners know the game inside out and don’t let age catch up to them. Moreover, their presence on the field is a morale booster for their teammates. Take for example the case of Antonio Di Natale and Udinese Calcio. The Italian has enjoyed prolific seasons in front of goal consistently despite crossing the 30-years barrier a long time ago, and his side Udinese is a different proposition with their talismanic striker on the field. For players like Di Natale, age is nothing but a number.Here is a team of players who are currently 30 years of age or above and are still among the best in their position at what they do.
#1 Goal Keeper: Iker Casillas
Yes, Iker Casillas may no longer be the superhuman figure in front of goal which he used to be a few years ago, but the Real Madrid captain is still one of the best goalkeepers in the game.
The Spaniard was dropped from the Real Madrid starting 11 towards the end of Jose Mourinho’s reign at the club and was restricted to just Cup games during Ancelotti’s first season in charge. But Casillas’ contributions cannot be overlooked in Real Madrid’s successful Cup double last season.
His performance in the second leg of the quarterfinal against Borussia Dortmund was the highlight of them all. The Spaniard was a towering figure between the sticks on that night, and kept out wave after wave of Dortmund attacks for most part of the game which ensured that the Germans didn’t overturn Real Madrid’s lead from the first leg.
With the backing of Ancelotti, Casillas put in a string of brilliant performances last season to earn the right to be Real Madrid’s first choice keeper in all competitions for the current season. He has now benched one of the standout performers in Spain last season, Keylor Navas.
In the current season Casillas averages 2.30 saves per game which is more than the likes of Manuel Neuer and David De Gea.
Honourable mentions: Gianluigi Buffon and Petr Cech