People have a very skewed perception of how long most players are at their peak, just because some players are still elite doesn't mean that's the norm.
Players who are still genuinely in their prime playing at their peak level well into their 30s are still the exception I think.
Players who are considered to have great longevity tend to get credit for being good considering how old they are, rather than actually still being genuinely elite. Or you have players who were the best in the world at their peak but drop down to just being "good" or "decent" players in their 30s.
A combative midfielder who needs to win the ball and track runners seriously declining at 32 years of age should not be a shock to anyone. It was a short-sighted signing. Matic was even younger when he fell off a cliff. You can't just assume these players will be in their prime until they're 35.