After reading countless pieces about who are the best young players in the top tier I thought it would only be fair to take a look at those at the other end of the spectrum.

For the purposes of looking for the 10 best veterans in the Premier League I included those who have already celebrated their 31st birthday.

Ryan Giggs – Timeless, still has a trick or two up his sleeve even and his footballing brain is in top gear even if his legs aren’t.

'Giggs' footballing brain is still at top gear even if his legs aren’t'


Paul Scholes – Another Manchester United legend, out through injury for a while recently, but still capable of running the midfield.

Claude Makelele – Nearing his 35th birthday but still able to pull the strings in the Chelsea midfield. Awesome!

Dietmar Hamann – Just secured a new contract – not bad for a player almost in his mid 30s. Possibly at his best, helping Sven Goran Eriksson’s rejuvenation of Manchester City.

David James – I know he is a keeper so in some senses age is not so relevant, but at 37 he is in fine form. His performance for Pompey against Bolton on Saturday was superb. Also good to see him back in the England reckoning.

Tugay – The Turkish international is 37 years of age but is still able to battle with the rest of them and find the energy to crack in 30-yard pile-drivers for Blackburn.

Nobby Solano – The Peruvian is much loved at Upton Park, a hero at Newcastle before he moved south and still going strong at 33.

Sami Hyypia – The Finn has been in great form this season and has been a fantastic servant to Liverpool.

Ivan Campo – The midfielder always has a smile on his face. When Bolton fans first got a taste of the former Real Madrid man I bet they didn’t think he would still be going strong at the Reebok nearly five years on.

Gilberto Silva – The former World Cup winner has been replaced by Mathieu Flamini in the Arsenal side this season, but the battler still gives his all. Although he is tipped to leave the Emirates in the summer he still has great stamina and an eye for a killer pass.

Dwight Yorke – Few would have thought a few years ago that the United man could effectively be used in the midfield but he helped Roy Keane’s Sunderland side into the Premier League and is still going strong, albeit slower, at the age of 36.