Connect with us

The League Paper

YOU HAVE TO WEIGH UP THE MILES ON THE CLOCK

LP_0903_MAIN_LPE1_001

IT’S not the years, honey. It’s the mileage. As Cesc Fabregas shuffles into semi-retirement at Monaco, you can almost imagine him mouthing Harrison Ford’s famous line from Indiana Jones.
Historically, clubs have always factored a player’s age into his value. Under Arsene Wenger, Arsenal famously refused to offer anyone over 30 more than a one-year extension.
Yet as the decline of Fabregas demonstrates, a more sensible way to assess longevity is to allot every footballer 15 peak years before wear and tear take their toll.
The Spaniard made his Arsenal debut at 16 and ...

Continue reading...

Access all our premium content from as little as 14p per day!

SUBSCRIBE

Already a subscriber to our website? Login

Related Topics

More in The League Paper

  • BATTH JUST BATTH JUST

    BATTH JUST IN TIME TO FRUSTRATE TOP DOGS

    EFL NEW YEAR’S DAY ROUND-UP By John Lyons RESCUE JOB: Danny Batth slams home Blackburn’s leveller at Elland Road PICTURE: Alamy BLACKBURN boss John Eustace lauded his players’ efforts after Danny Batth notched a last-gasp equaliser in a dramatic finale against Championship leaders Leeds. It looked as though Leeds would...

  • MAT’S SUPER MAT’S SUPER

    MAT’S SUPER SADDLERS GO MARCHING ON

    By John Lyons LEAGUE TWO HOME JOY: Morecambe’s Yann Songo’o, right, celebrates DELIGHTED Walsall boss Mat Sadler praised his troops for an ‘incredible victory’ after the runaway leaders came from behind to stun Notts County. The high-flying Magpies went ahead through Alassana Jatta (26 minutes), but Jamille Matt (65) levelled...

  • HIGH PRICE HIGH PRICE

    HIGH PRICE FOR STAR BEN GIVES BORO HOPE

    By Chris Dunlavy CHAMPIONSHIP TALENT: Middlesbrough loanee Ben Doak MIDDLESBROUGH’S hopes of keeping star winger Ben Doak have received a major boost after Liverpool slapped a £30m price tag on the Scotland international. Doak, 19, has bagged two goals and five assists since joining Boro on loan in the summer...

  • CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

    CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

    ... Continue reading... Access all our premium content from as little as 14p per day! SUBSCRIBE Already a subscriber to our website? Login Login