These veterans have contributed a great deal to the sport that we all love. With some playing back in the late 00’s all the way through to 2018, these five players have always delivered and are still going as world-class footballers.
From the likes of Ryan Giggs to Gareth Barry, who both have a combined total of almost 1400 appearances in the league, to the very recent ones in the form of James Milner and Leighton Baines, their days in the football are far from over.
With strong willpower and tonnes of accolades, these senior players in the league have had a remarkable time with their respective clubs for over a decade. One must wonder, though: just how much longer can they keep going?
3 Petr Cech – Arsenal (440 Appearances)
Regarded as one of the most consistent, effective and respected goalkeepers all around the world, the 36-year-old Czech keeper is one of the most decorated stoppers of his generation. With an eye for the ball, and with cat-like reflexes, Cech has drawn comparisons to the likes of Gigi Buffon and Oliver Kahn. A veteran with the Chelsea side, he is one of the keepers to have more than 250 clean sheets for the blues.
The 36-year-old moved to Arsenal back in 2015, breaking his decade-long tenure at the Stamford Bridge. The veteran keeper is easily regarded as one of the most experienced players in the league.
2 James Milner – Liverpool (489 Appearances)
James Milner, to everyone’s surprise, was one of the first signings of the January 2015 transfer window, as he left Manchester City to start a new term at the Anfield. Under the realm of Jurgen Klopp, the English midfielder/ winger/ full-back has been a successful inclusion in Klopp’s armoury. By taking his club all the way to the Champions League finals, Milner has proven himself as one of the most versatile playmakers in the league. With his ability to play at any given position, and with the leadership qualities that the veteran has to offer, Milner, even at the age of 32 keeps his flame alive.
Starting his career at a very young age, James Milner has been an integral member of clubs like Aston Villa, Leeds United and Newcastle, giving a total of 200 appearances for the clubs.
1 Jermain Defoe – AFC Bournemouth (493 Appearances)
A recipient of the ‘Order of the British Empire’, Defore is considered as being one of the most consistent and celebrated English strikers of the modern era. With almost 200 goals in all competitions for 5 different Premier League teams, Defoe is now looking forward to setting a milestone by completing 500 appearances in his career. Though the number of injuries he has had in his career as a professional football player is one of the reasons why the former English International has not made the obvious impact.
Best known for his time with the Tottenham Hotspur side back in the mid-2000s, Defoe has been a real deal for the teams that he has played with.