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With just over ten days to go for the new 2012/13 Premier League season to kick-off, we continue to look forward to it and build up for the new season. Today, we look at the top five Golden Oldies in the Premier League. Five players who have been a vital part of the Premier League for the last few years and continue to impress us even today – with their advancing ages – whenever they play.
5. Brad Friedel – Tottenhan Hotspur (41 years)
For many players, age is just a number but for some keepers it’s not even a number and Brad Friedel is one of those. At the age of 41, the former American international remains Tottenham’s first choice keeper as he looks forward to making some more spectacular saves and helping Spurs qualify for the Champions League next season. There have been rumours of Tottenham signing a new number one this summer, but Friedel has said that he will continue to work hard and fight for his place in the first-team.
4. Craig Bellamy – Liverpool (33 years)
Bellamy looked at home during his second spell at Liverpool and was probably the much-needed spark in Liverpool’s disastrous league campaign last season. The 33-year-old Welshman has been a regular performer in the Premier League with the likes of Newcastle, Blackburn, West Ham & Manchester City and was also the Reds top performer in the League Cup last season. Sadly, if the reports are to be belived then Bellamy could be playing his trade in the nPower Championship next season with Cardiff City.
3. Frank Lampard – Chelsea (34 years)
Lampard is one of the most famous footballers around the world because of his legendary status at Chelsea. The England international has been a mainstay in the Chelsea first-team since his arrival at Stamford Bridge from West Ham in 2001. At the age of 34, Lampard, with his brilliant passing abilities and an eye to score spectacular goals, is a huge part of the Chelsea team as they look to win the Premier League title for the first time in two years and also defend their Champions League trophy.
2. Paul Scholes – Manchester United (37 years)
At the start of last season it looked like football had lost one of it’s greatest sons when Scholes decided to hang his boots. Then in January, the Ginger Prince returned and showed the world his true class and proved that age is just a number. The former England international played a vital role last season, helping United finish second in the league to Manchester City, but just on goal difference. The midfield maestro made 17 appearances for the Red Devils scoring four goals, which made Sir Alex Ferguson offer him a new one-year deal.
1. Ryan Giggs – Manchester United (38 years)
With over 900 plus appearances, 160 plus goals and 12 league titles to his name, Giggs is by far the most decorated players in the Premier League’s history. At the age of 38, the former Wales international has been a one-club man with Manchester United and is an important part of the Red Devils squad. He looks energetic and tireless whenever he comes on to play and remains a threat to the opposition defence even today. He is a true legend, an inspiration and a role model for everyone in the game.
