Monday 20 April 2015 10:46, UK
Kevin Phillips has lauded the role Esteban Cambiasso has played in Leicester’s resurgence, but is he the best Premier League veteran of the season?
The PFA hands out an annual prize for the best young talent in the top flight, but speaking on Goals on Sunday, Leicester first team coach Phillips insisted at the ripe old age of 34, Cambiasso would win a version for golden oldies.
“There were question marks whether he could cut it in the Premier League, but he has been fantastic,” Phillips said.
“He’d win the award if there was an ‘old player of the season’. He brings calmness to the team, for the young players. He is not just a leader on the pitch; he is a leader off it too.”
Do you agree? We have picked out our top six players who were born in 1980 or earlier and we'll leave it to you to decide who has been the best this season...
Frank Lampard, Manchester City (born 20/06/1978)
Handed only his fifth league start of the season against West Ham on Super Sunday, Frank Lampard has been restricted to making an impression coming off the bench, but what an impact that has been from the 36-year-old.
Chelsea’s all-time top goalscorer made the headlines for grabbing the equaliser against his former employers for Manchester City in September, and silenced the naysayers who were not convinced he still has what it takes.
The timing of Lampard’s arrival in the box for that equaliser at the Etihad was reminiscent of the former England midfielder in his prime, but that has not been his only contribution. Five goals in 662 minutes of action is an impressive return in anyone’s book.
A pass completion rate of 86% shows just how composed Lampard has remained in what is likely to be be his last season on our shores. His legacy is certainly one to be proud of, right up until his last kick.
John Terry, Chelsea (born 07/12/1980)
The 34-year-old former England captain has been at his very best in guiding Chelsea to the brink of the title, and has started every league game for the Blues this season. What is even more impressive is that Terry has added further facets to his game to make him the complete centre-back.
“His ability on the ball never gets spoken about,” Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said of the Chelsea stalwart. How many defenders in world football can switch the play with their weaker foot?”
Terry has the best pass completion rate (89.3%) of any player with 30+ appearances under their belts, whilst still winning 87% of his tackles.
Michael Duff, Burnley (born 11/01/1978)
Playing only his second season in the top flight, Michael Duff has enjoyed a fine final half of the campaign for Burnley. The Clarets skipper has organised a resolute backline, and was a standout performer in a crucial victory over reigning champions Manchester City and a stalemate against Tottenham.
At 37, Duff is the second oldest outfield player in the Premier League this season, but with the workrate he puts in, you wouldn’t know. Having made a colossal 162 clearances in 17 Premier League appearances, his contribution cannot be downplayed.
It has been some journey too. Duff is the only man to appear in all eight top tiers of English football, and if he can steer Burnley to survival it would arguably be his greatest achievement.
Esteban Cambiasso, Leicester (born 18/08/1980)
Kevin Phillips’ praise of Esteban Cambiasso’s influence at Leicester is testament to the fine form of the Argentine in his debut Premier League campaign. The dynamic former Inter Milan midfielder has helped guide Nigel Pearson's team to within touching distance of safety after it seemed a foregone conclusion that they would be confined to Championship football next season.
After netting four goals from just six shots on target, profligacy in front of goal is not a problem. Cambiasso was in danger of becoming one of those bizarre Premier League short-term signings that could not handle the pace in the twilight of their career.
But with far more intelligence than he is given credit for, he is already a cult hero in the East Midlands, and a great role model to inspire the next generation.
Gareth McAuley, West Brom (born 05/12/1979)
Another player who has been getting better with age is Gareth McAuley, 35, who has been at the heart of West Brom's rearguard for much of this season.
Playing League Two football eight years ago, McAuley only made his Premier League debut at the 31, but has featured 19 times this season and again showed what he is made of against an in-form Crystal Palace at the weekend.
He has made 36 interceptions, 113 clearances and has completed 72% of his passes during this campaign and Tony Pulis has been happy to rely on the ageing Northern Ireland defender.
Rob Green, QPR (born 18/01/1980)
It seems strange to praise a goalkeeper whose team has the third-worst defensive record in the division, but without Rob Green, QPR might be even deeper in relegation trouble.
Making an average 3.7 saves per game, Green is the busiest stopper in the top flight, but it is not just his shot-stopping that has seen him catch the attention this season. A 95% catch success rate shows his reliability is far from on the wane.
Chelsea have been linked with a summer move for Green and he also received an England recall last month. It is a credit to him he has managed to find that extra level at the age of 35.
So, who is the best veteran in the Premier League? Use the comment section on the skysports.com desktop website to have your say…