Top 5 players over 30 in 2013

5. Michael Carrick (32)

Although he hasn’t really hit the ground running this season, Michael Carrick did enough in the latter part of 2012-13 season to find a place in this list.

Last season, Carrick played the most games in the league for United (36 times), as they won the league with a couple of matches still to be played. So vital was his impact, that the men he played with were obliged to recognize it.

He won the Manchester United Players’ Player of the Year for the 2012-13 season for his crucial contribution in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season as manager. He was the essential cog in United’s midfield that won the league last term and his contribution can only be matched by Robin van Persie. His form in the second half of last season saw all the technical and positional qualities in his game come to the fore.4. Francesco Totti (37)

The Italian forward has had a fantastic year even for his advancing years, under Aurelio Andreazzoli and then Raul Garcia, the 37-year old has shown the world that he has still got it.

Movement, link-up, creativity, vision, technique and finishing; the Italian boasts a host of skills and talent that can only be matched by a few.

The one-team player was ‘lost’ under Zdenek Zeman, but the appointment of Aurelio Andreazzoli saw him regain form and he began to look world class again. And he carried that form into the new season under Raul Garcia, and had been a vital man for Roma in their 10-match winning streak at the start of the season.3. Xavi Hernandez (33)

There are only a few players, if any, more technical and more skilful than Xavi Hernandez.

There would not be a team he wouldn’t fit, no football coach would leave this genius of his team. Arguably the greatest midfielder of his generation, Xavi played an important part in bringing the La Liga title back to Cataluña from their fiercest rivals, Real Madrid.

There was no surprise when he was selected into FIFA’s World Team of the Year for 2012, incredibly, for the fifth consecutive year.

His movement, vision, the exquisite passing, his trademark through-balls, it’s simply a joy to watch this master in his full glory on the pitch.

Though one dampener in his year was the loss to Brazil in the Confederation Cup, and the this year’s World Cup might be the last one in which we see the pass-master in his full glory.

But it’s because of his declining form in the current season, he hasn’t been placed higher on this list. The Catalans might be coming to the realization that their youth academy star is in his final years.2. Andrea Pirlo (34)

Andrea Pirlo has reasserted himself as one of the world’s finest central midfielders in the latter part of his career, and his passing range has split though the best defences in the world. The Italian possesses excellent dead ball abilities, plays a role deep in midfield, orchestrating from the back as a regista, where his passing range, composure and creativity come to the fore.

He is the reigning Serie A Player and Italian Player of the Year and was named in the Confederations Cup Team of the Tournament and surpassed the 100 cap mark for the Azzuri.

Juventus rampaged to a third straight Serie A title last season under Antonio Conte, and his imperious form has seen Juventus finish the year at the top of the table.

“Players like Andrea are hard to find because they have such extraordinary ball technique. He brings calm to the team in possession and anticipates play. Adding those talents to an organised system where everybody knows what they have to do, his qualities come out even better.” – Antonio Conte on Andrea Pirlo

Again one glitch would be the fact that Juventus were knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage only, which would see them shift the focus on the league.1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (32)

The striker’s skills on the ball and the things he can do can be only matched by his quick one-liners. The Swede’s ego is as big as the man himself, but the one thing that sets him apart is his sheer talent. Yes, he might be the most egoistic man in world football, but the variety in his trophy cabinets cannot be matched by anyone. The Big Swede has won the Serie A, Eredivisie, La Liga and more recently the Ligue 1 title.

Last season he scored 30 goals in 33 matches for PSG and doesn’t seem in the mood to stop this season. He has deadly ability from any range, boasts immaculate close control and has forged a wonderful partnership with new colleague Edinson Cavani.

The current season has seen him notch 15 goals already in 18 games in the league for PSG and his partnership with Edinson Cavani, without much competition from the other teams, will most likely continue the havoc and land the league title for the second successive year.

The only thing that will probably dampen the Swede’s New Year’s celebration will be the fact that he won’t be gracing the World Cup finals this year in Brazil. Certainly, it won’t be the same without the PSG striker as voiced by the striker himself.

“One thing is for sure,” Ibrahimovic said in his post-match press conference after losing the qualifiers against Portugal. “A World Cup without me is nothing to watch, so it is not worthwhile to wait for the World Cup.”

Other notable name who provided crucial contribution to the team are: Xabi Alonso (32), Hugo Campagnaro (33), Andrea Barzagli (32), Diego Lopez (32), Victor Valdes (31), Gianluigi Buffon (35)