AGEING LIKE A FINE WINE: TOP 5 PREM STRIKERS OVER 30

Featured Image Credit: The Telegraph

With the experienced Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani on the verge of a potential move to Manchester United, we take a look at some of the best marksmen in the Premier League at the age of 30 or over.

Jamie Vardy – 33 years old – Leicester City

There is only one player you could possibly start this list with, and its none other than Jamie Vardy. 

He has notched up an outstanding return of 108 goals and 29 assists in 214 games, and he does not look like stopping any time soon.

The England international moved to the Foxes for just £1m and began life in the Premier League in 2014.

During that time, he has won both the Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the Year awards. And let’s not forget that goal, ironically against United that broke Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s goals in consecutive games record, all three of the above during that unforgettable title-winning season back in 2015-16.

As the years have gone on you would’ve thought Vardy may have dropped off a bit. You couldn’t be more wrong.

The Sheffield born sharpshooter became the oldest player to win the Premier League Golden Boot award last campaign and has started this season off to a flyer, netting five in his opening four thus far. 

He has scored an incredible 42 goals against the top 6 during his time in the top flight and many Leicester fans would pin their recent rise in English football largely on the shoulders of their golden boy, or man for that matter.

Michail Antonio – 30 years old – West Ham United

Next on the list is a man you probably didn’t even think was 30 yet, it’s the Hammers forward Michail Antonio. 

Antonio has played everywhere from right back to right-wing and through the middle for West Ham since his move from Nottingham Forest in 2015. 

But the London born attacker has become a more out an out striker recently after impressing post lockdown during last term. 

He has tallied 38 goals and 14 assists during his time in East London, a good return considering his variation in playing positions and West Ham’s below par last few seasons.

He managed 10 goals last season, an astonishing 8 of which were scored after the long break due to COVID-19.

An excellent run of form that got rewarded with a first Premier League Player of the Month award for Antonio. 

He is a fast, dynamic striker who can run at players and terrorise defences. But he also provides another massive asset for West Ham. 

Antonio is a heading king.

No player has scored more than Michail Antonio’s 18 headed goals in the Premier League since his move back in the summer of 2015. Did somebody say target man?

Admittedly, Antonio has only recently become a proper lone striker. But with a good end to last season and two goals already this season, he makes our list.

Sergio Aguero – 32 years old – Manchester City

He may be injured at the moment, but It would be wrong not to include this Premier League legend. It’s Sergio Aguero.

The Argentinian has been on the blue side of Manchester for nine years registering 180 goals, making him the current highest scoring player still in the Premier League.

Aguero has been such an influential player for City over the years and not having him or backup Gabriel Jesus now as well, is proving detrimental to the Citizens.

Aguero joined from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and has helped City win four Premier League titles and shift the tide of domestic power in Manchester.

He has been and still is an unbelievable player in Premier League History, managing over 20 goals in six, yes six different campaigns. 

A feat that only all-time Premier League goalscorer Alan Shearer can better (eight).

The City number 10 only played 24 games last season, six of which off the bench, but still proved his attacking prowess, managing 16 goals.

16 goals being his second-lowest goal scoring tally in nine seasons in the Premier League. I know it’s almost laughable how good he really is.

At 32, injuries to Aguero will always give City fans a slither of anxiety, but when this man returns, those fans will be breathing a sigh of relief. 

Olivier Giroud – 34 years old – Chelsea

This six-foot-four talisman may not get the game time he deserves this year, but he is definitely underrated in my opinion and is probably one of the best backup strikers in the league.

Step forth Olivier Giroud.

The 34-year-old has been in English football since his move from then French title-winning Montpellier to Chelsea’s fellow London rivals Arsenal.

The Frenchman has scored 86 goals during his time in England but has been a backup since his move to Stamford Bridge.

This will likely continue this year with the signing of Timo Werner, but Giroud is still a great player to have on the bench to give a change to style of play. 

He is a good target man who offers the ability for a more direct approach in certain game situations as well as being a decent player on the deck as well.

Giroud is a solid player in a squad that defers the need to spend money at all on backups which is ideal for Chelsea.

Especially when comparing to teams like Tottenham who have been scrambling for backup strikers year on year in recent times.

Whether he stays this year to rival Werner and Abraham is still up in the air, but if he does, he’ll continue to be an important asset for the Blues.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 31 years old – Arsenal

Last but certainly not least is Gabonese international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Arsenal frontman joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2018 and has recently put pen to paper on a new three-year deal, entering his fourth season at the club. 

He’s scored 22 goals in each of his last two campaigns and will be looking to get the hat-trick of 20 plus goal seasons this term. 

He has a very impressive overall record in North London making 68 goal contributions in only 89 appearances in the Premier League.

Aubameyang is an exciting player with frightening pace and a menacing eye for goal which has lit up the Emirates at times in the last few years.

Arsenal signed the striker quite old and many thought he wouldn’t have too many great seasons left in him. We all know how that’s turned out so far.

He was a proven goalscorer from his respective time at Saint Etienne and Dortmund and has certainly justified his £56m price tag from 2018.

The current Gunners captain is an integral part of the side and Mikel Arteta will be relying on him staying fit to help Arsenal better their 8th placed finish from last season. 

He only has the one goal so far this season, but it won’t surprise anyone when Aubameyang begins to rain goals as the season progresses.