Age isn't that big a factor to certain professional players. One thing I've always noticed is that brazilians can usually play at a high level longer than their counterparts (look at our Dinho for example). This is partly why Im liking the Sandro links alot, because he can be that kind of fullback for us until he's 34 or 35 years old.
Dani Alves is an example of this, he just turned 34, but he has so much talent that he will be able to play for atleast 2 more years at the top level. Barcelona missed him big time.
It's also not that big a risk because older players are much cheaper to get, and also Pep has a relationship with him already.
You need to read carefully, obviously at some point age is a factor, but it isn't THAT BIG of a factor for certain players until they are way older. Your analysis on Dinho is plain wrong, any degredation you see in his game isn't anything that comes with age. Is he slower, does he have less stamina? No so that doesn't make sense. Also you mention he plays for Juve then ignore the most important part, they use PURE WINGBACKS which is the hardest role physically. He needs tons of pace and stamina to track back to defend and attack. Because of this you want to ignore all of Juve's defenders because its Serie A? You don't want Alex Sandro I presume as well?Age is a factor for every player. Your example Dihno has been poorer this season than his last few, and their is a strong suggestion age was a factor. And he is only 31.
Players lose form at different ages, some earlier, Ronaldihno by 28 -29, and others later. But the older you get, the higher the chance you are about to lose form.
Playing in Italy, where football is significantly slower than any other top 5 league, and playing for Juve, the best defensive team in that slow league, often overrates the transferability of most Italian league players. And by extension their defenders.
I would rather we passed on him. I understand others won't.
Players age & fall off the cliff at different rates,all depends on how one takes care of his body..Even at 34,he walks into every PL team and Europe's top teams bar Madrid.Would only have him here as a backup to say Walker mind you,as it's certainly better than retaining Navas as backup if we're not willing to spend on two new RBs.I won't take him. Its simply risky to take guys in their 30s and hope they keep form. The likelihood of a catastrophic drop rises with every passing year. At 34, it very well could be next season for him
Best we ignore his present performance in that "easier on defenders" club he plays for and find someone more appropriate.
Juve haven't used the 3-5-2 anywhere near as much this season, Allegri seems to prefer a 4 man backline.You need to read carefully, obviously at some point age is a factor, but it isn't THAT BIG of a factor for certain players until they are way older. Your analysis on Dinho is plain wrong, any degredation you see in his game isn't anything that comes with age. Is he slower, does he have less stamina? No so that doesn't make sense. Also you mention he plays for Juve then ignore the most important part, they use PURE WINGBACKS which is the hardest role physically. He needs tons of pace and stamina to track back to defend and attack. Because of this you want to ignore all of Juve's defenders because its Serie A? You don't want Alex Sandro I presume as well?
I agree. Buying Sandro for 70 million is absurd even though he is one of the best left backs in the world.@WallyA and @Edwin Edwin, I enjoy these discussions but there are others who don't and whine about these types of back and forth. So best to leave it where we have it to keep the masses happy.
As to Wally's question regarding Sandro, yea I'm a bit wary of him. I think he has great tools, athletism, technical skill, speed and aggression. But a poor footballing brain. Often overdribbles, gets bogged down in toughness skirmishes with opponents. And tries the fantastic way too often. At 70 million, an unacceptable risk if you ask me. What if he never gets it?
We will have to disagree about Sandro, but I will agree with you on the price, not worth 70m. I don't think there is any defender I'd want worth that much (maybe Marcelo). If Mendy is 40-45m then I'd much prefer that option. As you stated the problem with alot of money is what if it doesn't work, but I think more importantly, what if they get injured? Will feel like such a waste if we didn't find a suitable young cheap backup as well (maybe youth).@WallyA and @Edwin Edwin, I enjoy these discussions but there are others who don't and whine about these types of back and forth. So best to leave it where we have it to keep the masses happy.
As to Wally's question regarding Sandro, yea I'm a bit wary of him. I think he has great tools, athletism, technical skill, speed and aggression. But a poor footballing brain. Often overdribbles, gets bogged down in toughness skirmishes with opponents. And tries the fantastic way too often. At 70 million, an unacceptable risk if you ask me. What if he never gets it?
Juve used 352 to neutralize Barcelona in the champions league. Quite recently. Yes there prefer 442 a bit now but occassionally they will use to counter certain opposition.Juve haven't used the 3-5-2 anywhere near as much this season, Allegri seems to prefer a 4 man backline.