The age of football players

The relationship between the most sought-after characteristics in footballers and their age appears to be directly connected to Argentine football. Supported by statistics, we will try to find a logical explanation for this topic.

A footballer’s professional life is short; at 35, many feel old or are called "experienced players" when they haven't even lived half of their lives. Following this premise, this article aims to determine the average age of footballers in Argentine football according to their positions, using 2023 as a reference and filtering for players who played more than 1500 minutes.

Initially, we can see that the position of Central Defender has the highest average age at 28.89 years. It is well known in football that central defense often seeks experience and leadership to organize the team. This does not apply to the entire defense, as full-backs need to cover large distances throughout the match, constantly moving up and down the flanks to support both defense and attack. This physical exertion requires speed, stamina, and agility—attributes that tend to decline with age. Full-backs also frequently engage in one-on-one duels and high-intensity situations that demand quick reflexes and explosiveness. Conversely, central defenders focus more on positioning and anticipation, aspects where experience and game-reading ability, which improve with age, are crucial. This allows central defenders to maintain their top competitive level for a longer time, whereas full-backs, whose game heavily relies on physical abilities, tend to reach their peak performance at a younger age.

In Argentine football, the average age of center forwards is 27.38 years, slightly higher than that of wingers, which is 26.41 years. This difference is due to the distinct skills required for each position. Center forwards heavily rely on qualities that develop with experience, such as cunning, goal-scoring instinct, and the ability to read critical moments of the game. These attributes, along with the physical strength needed to face defenders, allow center forwards to be effective at an older age.

On the other hand, wingers excel in physical performance, speed, and the ability to outmaneuver rival defenders. Their game demands agility and explosiveness, characteristics more pronounced in younger players. These physical attributes, essential for overcoming opponents in one-on-one situations and covering large distances on the field, tend to be more prevalent in players with a lower average age. Therefore, the difference in the average age between center forwards and wingers reflects how each position requires a distinct set of skills, influencing the evolution and performance of players throughout their careers.

With all these data in hand, we can find a correlation between full-backs and wingers, and between forwards and central defenders in terms of characteristics and, therefore, age.

In midfield analysis, the position of defensive midfielder stands out with a low average age of 26.82 years. This trend is due to the physical and tactical demands of the role, which vary according to the team’s strategy.

Teams with a Single Defensive Midfielder

When a team uses a single defensive midfielder, this player must cover a lot of ground, intercept balls, and facilitate the transition to attack. These tasks require high stamina and agility, attributes more common in young players, thus explaining their lower average age.

Teams with Two Central Midfielders

In systems with two central midfielders, responsibilities are shared, allowing for the use of more experienced players. Here, experience is key for better game reading, communication, and decision-making. These players do not need to rely as much on their physical capacity, as their tactical knowledge compensates for any decrease in speed or stamina.

Influence of the Club's Philosophy

Additionally, the choice of defensive midfielders also depends on the club's philosophy. Teams that value ball control and possession may prefer veteran players with the skills to stay calm and distribute the play. Conversely, those adopting a more dynamic and direct style often seek young players with energy and speed to respond to the demands of the match. The lower average age of defensive midfielders reflects the need for physical exertion in systems with a single player in this position, while in setups with two midfielders, experience, and tactical intelligence allow older players to remain effective.

In modern football, the average age of players in different positions reveals how the physical and tactical demands of the game shape the evolution and performance of athletes. Central defenders and center forwards tend to be the oldest on the field. Their role depends on physical strength, leadership ability, and tactical experience, aspects that develop and optimize with age. The ability to anticipate plays, manage personal duels, and stay calm under pressure allows these players to prolong their careers at competitive levels even at an advanced age.

Conversely, positions such as wingers, playmakers, and central midfielders are generally occupied by younger players. These positions require greater physical performance, speed, and agility. Wingers need to outmaneuver and surpass opponents in tight spaces, while playmakers and central midfielders are often the team's engine, combining physical effort with creativity and vision of the game. The energy and explosiveness that characterize players in these positions reach their peak at earlier stages of their careers.

In conclusion, the average age in each position reflects the nature of the skills and attributes needed to perform effectively in football. Roles that value experience and physical solidity tend to be filled by older players, while those requiring dynamism and agility benefit from the freshness and vitality of younger players. This balanced age distribution in the team is essential to combine wisdom and vigor, building a formation capable of competing at the highest level.

Moroni Mariano

Fuente: DataMoroni