Every year, people focus on the wonderkids in the Premier League. Today, however, we’ll be looking at the other end of the spectrum – who are the best players over 35 in the league at the moment?
We’ll be looking at players from Burnley, Newcastle United and Everton for the purposes of this list, amongst others.
There have been plenty of golden oldies in the past in England’s top division – Gareth Barry, Mark Schwarzer and Ryan Giggs all spring to mind. Who made the cut in our list of ‘wonder uncs’?
Martin Dubravka
It may come as a surprise that we only have one goalkeeper on our list, given their relatively longevity in comparison to players who occupy outfield positions. Nevertheless, the mercurial Martin Dubravka is more than worthy of flying the flag for his fellow ‘keepers.
Burnley have struggled to keep clean sheets this season, but not for lack of trying They have been aided massively by the calming presence of an experienced Premier League goalkeeper as their last line of defence. So far this season, no goalkeeper in the league has made more saves than Dubravka (32).
Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier is slowly being put out to pasture at Newcastle United in favour of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, but the former Tottenham Hotspur man is still doing everything he can to keep his spot in the team.
He certainly has his work cut out for him against such a talented pair of young full-backs, but there is fight in the old dog yet. An attacking full-back by trade, there are few players in the Premier League who can hit a cross as sweetly as Trippier can.
James Milner
The oldest player on the list at 39 years of age, James Milner is a man who needs no introduction. He has been playing in the Premier League for longer than some people reading this article have been alive – and he has never threatened to become part of the furniture.
Milner’s age has never been an issue. He has been successful at clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester City and Leeds United – now, he is still a valuable member of Brighton’s squad.
Jordan Henderson
Some may scoff at Jordan Henderson’s placement on this list, but we would encourage you to watch his performances for the Brentford – he is surprisingly going under the radar thus far.
Effectively providing a like-for-like replacement for Christian Norgaard, Henderson has filled all the gaps in the Bees’ midfield. Even at 35, he is still an effective presence in the Premier League – and could travel with the England squad to play in the 2026 World Cup.
Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye is 36 years old – but you’d never guess. A tireless runner off the ball, he blends experience with almost Benjamin Button-esque youthful flair. He’s very composed in possession and rarely makes a wrong move, but he can also do all the running that you’d expect from a 25 year old.
Gueye has made over 200 Premier League appearances for Everton through his two spells at the club. Even now, he remains one of their most important stars – he’s started in every Premier League game for them so far this season.