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To borrow an expression from Alan Hansen: You can’t win anything with kids.
Only those who have crossed the final line know how it’s done. It cannot be taught on the whiteboard. Nor can it be taught on a training ground. You have to be there. Feel it. Experience it.
Experienced chaps know what to do in high pressure situations, when the going gets tough. They will calmly see through a 1-0 advantage till the final whistle is blown. Experience allows their confidence to not shatter in such a situation.
There are some players who’ve been in the Premier League for so long, they’ve experienced it all. Here’s a list of 5 of them.
5. Jussi Jaaskelainen
Jussi Jaaskelainen of West Ham United looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on January 23, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The current West Ham keeper has been an ever-green presence in the league. Having made his mark for Bolton, where he spent 15 years previously, he’s now keeping former England international Robert Green on the bench.
Still one of the better shot-stoppers of the league, he shows no signs of decline and will try to ensure West Ham survive the drop for a second season running.
4. Sylvain Distin
Sylvain Distin
The current Everton centre-back has made over 400 appearances in England. He’s intelligent, allowing him to anticipate the play and acting accordingly. He’s very strong in the air and wins more 50-50 duels than many. Had luck been on his side, he might have played for the French national team as well.
Roberto Martinez, currently in charge of the Toffees, will be hoping he continues with the same zest and zeal as before and help the team with his maturity in achieving a respectable position in the league table.
3. Mark Schwarzer
Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer directs players during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Asian Qualifier match between the Australian Socceroos and Iraq at ANZ Stadium on June 18, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
The second goalkeeper to make the list is Chelsea‘s new acquisition, Mark Schwarzer. Still running strong at 40, he will most definitely be a very competent deputy to Petr Cech, who still remains the undisputed No. 1 at Chelsea.
His yoga regime and a specialised training program have helped him prolong his career, which has seen him play for the likes of Fulham and Middlesbrough. He is also the only non-English player to have played 500 games in the Premier League, and will look to give his best whenever called upon next season.
2. Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs of Manchester United looks on during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second leg match between Manchester United and Real Madrid at Old Trafford on March 5, 2013 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
A list of seasoned Premier League veterans without the ever-present Ryan Giggs would seem too unfair. If there ever was a player perfectly suitable to endorse the league throughout its 21 years, it would be good old Giggs. Having taken a player-coach role for the upcoming season, there is no doubt he’ll be instrumental to Manchester United if they are to defend their title successfully.
He turns 40 this year, and will most likely grace the Old Trafford turf for the last time this season.
Frank Lampard of England looks on during the International Friendly match between Brazil and England at Maracana on June 2, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Friedemann Vogel/Getty Images)
Chelsea’s leading all-time scorer. Their talisman and perhaps their best player in the Abramovich era. Frank Lampard tops the list.
Lampard’s career in the west part of London looked questionable last season, only for him to bounce back with a surge of match-winning goals in the latter half of the season – goals which earned him an one-year extension. And with a reunion with the (special) one who practically made him the player he now is, it is up to José to prolong him career.
