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There is nothing more saddening than seeing age catch up to your favorite footballers. The things they once did without breaking a sweat, at the most sublime movement starts requiring too much of an effort all of a sudden. The worst thing about it? You can't hide it, it's visible in training and gets attention amidst games.
The players themselves are under immense pressure in this game where the individuals waiting to replace you at the first sight of you slowing down are high. We have seen many players put up a fight against the natural process of aging and come out with flying colors.
It is a joy to watch such stars sustain their standards even as the going gets tough and the body refuses to move with the ease it once did. Midfielders in particular have to run a great length of the pitch, cover every inch and participate on both ends of the field. In between, their accurate distribution, clever bits of creativity and necessary holding of the ball, follow.
Some midfielders in world football have aged like fine wine and still continue to ply their trade with grace and effortlessness. Here are the five best midfielders above the age of 33 in world football right now:
#5 Ivan Rakitic
He started his Spanish top-flight career with Sevilla and is back at the club in the final few years of his career. Ivan Rakitic arrived at Barcelona in 2014 as a replacement for Xavi Hernandez, and just like the former great, he became untouchable in their squad.
The fans did turn on him in his final year with the Catalan club but he has risen above that and has put in a good run of performances for Sevilla. One thing the Croatian has given Sevilla is solidity in midfield. He has been an ever-present figure since joining and continues to play every game.
Rakitic is quite metronomic in the manner he plays, doesn't keep the ball for too long, although comfortable with it at his feet, he likes to release it at the best opportunity. Julen Lopetegui knows the Croatian is the reason why their midfield keeps ticking and he cannot afford to lose him.
His right-foot is capable of producing the most thunderous strikes and his ability to contribute with goals from midfield has never been put to rest. Since joining Sevilla for a second time, he has contributed with 11 goals and six assists in two seasons.
#4 Fernandinho
A Manchester City player for nine seasons now, Fernandinho has been a great servant to the club. Ever so reliable, the Brazilian capped his 361st appearance for City with a goal on a snowy pitch against West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday. His contract was set to expire in 2021, but he signed a one-year extension.
The 36-year old has played a key role in what has been a dominant decade in England, for the Manchester-based side. He has won four Premier League titles and a record six EFL Cups as a City player. The defensive midfielder has proudly done the dirty work to help his side whenever needed.
Fernandinho has been an example for many midfielders in the Premier League as to how one should go about committing tactical fouls. He continues to do what he's best at, disrupting the opposition from building momentum and winning the ball in midfield.
At 36, he's shown that age hasn't gotten the better of him yet, playing his part in seven English top-flight games and two Champions League matches.
#3 Andres Iniesta
He lights up the party whether it's in Spain or in Japan. The greats of the game always stay dear to the club and fans, with their names etched in history books. However, when they choose their retirement destinations in far and unknown lands, they do temporarily slip from the mind.
So we are here to remind you that Andres Iniesta is far from finished and at 37 is very much the heartthrob of the J League. The Japanese top-flight has mostly existed under the shadow of the Chinese Super League. But Barcelona sponsor Rakuten set out to change the trend by introducing Iniesta as their player, in their own club, Vissel Kobe.
In his fourth year with the club, the Spaniard has recorded just over a century of appearances and capped his 100th game with a goal and an assist. His presence ushered in a celebratory era for Vissel Kobe as Iniesta helped them clinch their first ever silverware. They won the 2019 Emperor's Cup which was followed by the Japanese Super Cup in 2020.
Iniesta's magic still hasn't faded as he continues to unlock defenses and move past opponents by dropping shoulders and shimmies with elegance.
#2 Sergio Busquets
The emergence of Pedri and Gavi at Barcelona has been huge for the club, both for their present and future. Ansu Fati has already been the best breakout story from La Masia in recent years and now they have former great legend Xavi at the helm.
Under that mountain somewhere, the presence of Sergio Busquets is one of the most significant positives for the Catalan club. One look at him and there is nothing that will stand out physically. He's not the most imposing looking midfielder, not the fastest and most explosive. But what Busquets has been is smart and sublime all through these years.
He's never someone who is all over the pitch and sometimes might not stand out. Take him out of the system though and things will crumble soon. The 33-year old is an outlet for any player running out of options on the pitch, one that makes staying in possession convenient for his team.
He has played every game of the season so far in La Liga and the Champions League for Barcelona, even scoring a crucial goal in 3-3 draw against Celta Vigo. Busquets has been a pillar for the Spanish national team and his decision making on the pitch remains as decisive as ever.
#1 Luka Modric
Real Madrid aren't one to keep deadwood for too long. They have always been quick to move aging players even if they have earned legendary status at the club. However, they seem to have realized that the standards of Luka Modric aren't one that can be easily replaced and gladly offered the 36-year old another year's stay.
When the season started, the Croatian missed a couple of games due to adductor problems and many believed this is when he becomes a rotation player. However, he has been quick to get back to full fitness and is once again enjoying himself in the Real Madrid shirt.
The metronomic midfielder has been vital for Los Blancos and is responsible for the team's quick transition from back to front. He still carries the ball with great tenacity and puts in the hard yards to help out with the press.
The Ballon d'Or winner has expressed his desire to retire at the Santiago Bernabeu. It will be interesting to see whether Los Blancos give him another extension.
