Footballer's peak age

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I've always been brought up with the notion that 28-29 is a footballer's peak, but with the changing high-speed intensity of the game, is it fair to suggest that a player has to be sharper and faster (therefore possibly younger) to be at his peak? Would it be fair to say these days, a player at 25-26 is at their peak (especially players like Ronaldo, Messi and other wingers/attackers that rely on pace quite a bit)?

Just wondering on your thoughts...
 
I'd say players peak at different ages.

IMO Gerrard is at his peak now at about 29 years of age, because experience has improved his game.

I'd imagine Ronaldo is pretty much at his peak now, considering he is at a physical peak.

Players that explode onto the scene early sometimes peak early too, Owen is an example. Whereas someone like Sheringham or Zidane came onto the scene late, but peaked at later ages and carried on playing well into their thirties.

Average peak age for an attacking playeris probably about 27-28, before the player begins to lose his pace and fitness, but has amassed plenty of experience

Keepers don't reach their peak until early thirties, and defenders about 29-30 IMO
 
With the game changing thought you have to look at ronaldo and messi and think there is no one really in the class (as in year class) below them that are equal or better. With advancing training techniques i would not be surprised if Ronaldo (baring injury) could sustain his ability with pace easily until 30 then only a slow degrade from there.
 
27-31 is most players' peak period.

Bit older for defenders and goalies, bit younger for pace-merchants.

I'm hoping Gerrard starts falling off quite soon. Once his pace and athleticism drop off a bit he'll be half the player, because he's shown over the years he hasn't got the discipline to anchor midfield and control games for long periods. He'll still score a few blinders because he's so talented and his technique's so brilliant, but he may not be as influential.

Whereas I can see Lampard being top class well into his thirties. Roy Keane at 31 was at his absolute peak - in those World Cup games against Holland and Portugal he was virtually unplayable - but he was still one of our best players at 34, because he had a brain.

Ryan Giggs is ridiculous.
 
Plechazunga said:
27-31 is most players' peak period.

Bit older for defenders and goalies, bit younger for pace-merchants.

I'm hoping Gerrard starts falling off quite soon. Once his athleticism goes he'll be half the player, because he's shown over the years he hasn't got the discipline to anchor midfield and control games for long periods. He'll still score a few blinders because he's so talented and his technique's so brilliant, but he may not be as influential.

Whereas I can see Lampard being top class well into his thirties. Roy Keane at 31 was at his absolute peak - in those World Cup games against Holland and Portugal he was virtually unplayable - but he was still one of our best players at 34, because he had a brain.

Ryan Giggs is ridiculous.
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err you back?! :eek:
 
Depends on your type of game as well.

Position matters a keepers will probably peak later on with more experience. Would hate to see how ridiculously good Casillas could be in his 30's.

People who dont rely on pace but just skill and technique will probably have longer peaks though imo.
 
It could be that with the new breed of footballers they peak early and fade out earlier as well... I doubt it but you never know we just have wait and see how Messi, Ronaldo and Rooney are when they are in their late 20's
 
Depends somewhat on the footballer (anomalies do happen, see: The Incredible Case Of Ryan Giggs And His Seeming Ability To Reverse The Aging Process, and players like Frank Lampard and Roy Keane are/have been awesome in their 30s)

However, broadly speaking:

Defenders - 28-30

Midfielders - 26-28

Forwards - 25-27

Basically, the period from 25-30 or around 26-27

Goalkeepers are totally different, they peak at about 32-35
 
Alot of it depends on a players mentality, if they adapt their game as they get older they can sometimes get even better outside of their peak zone.

Giggs is a perfect example of it, a brilliant pacey winger is now an excellent all around attacking midfielder. I have no doubts that as he gets older Wayne Rooney will be exactly the same, he will adapt into a new role and he will still be top class well into his 30's if he wants it.
 
I'd agree with the posts by dan_alex, Plech & MrsGiggs in the most part..

Every thing these 3 brought up was true

The one thing they didn't realy factor into thier equations (although to be fair, plech & dan did a tad) was physical individuality...

Beckham is probably about Da Vinci's ideal man (or Michelangelos David is we're getting classical) peaking at about 27-29, but Rooney, for example,is obviously a different specimen from most attacking forwards and I worry for him...He was physically a 23 year old when he broke thourgh at Everton and is probably about 27-29 now....The type of player he is means he can easily keep going well into his 30s but for him his 30s may be his late 20s physically...

All in all I'd say Da Vinci's ideal's of the perfect man hasn't changed much in 200 or so years....it's still 27-29 with variables
 
MockneyRevil said:
I'd agree with the posts by dan_alex, Plech & MrsGiggs in the most part..

Every thing these 3 brought up was true

The one thing they didn't realy factor into thier equations (although to be fair, plech & dan did a tad) was physical individuality...

Beckham is probably about Da Vinci's ideal man (or Michelangelos David is we're getting classical) peaking at about 27-29, but Rooney, for example,is obviously a different specimen from most attacking forwards and I worry for him...He was physically a 23 year old when he broke thourgh at Everton and is probably about 27-29 now....The type of player he is means he can easily keep going well into his 30s but for him his 30s may be his late 20s physically...

All in all I'd say Da Vinci's ideal's of the perfect man hasn't changed much in 200 or so years....it's still 27-29 with variables
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:lol: You cant be serious
 
The only thing that worries me about Rooney's career being cut short would be if he does in a metatarsal a few more times, other than that I reckon he has a ton of years in him. He is very fast, but he is a player who doesnt rely on his pace near as much as other speed merchants do, his footballing intelligence and overall desire and love the game ensure that he will have quite a long career.
 
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