As footballers age, the critique of "his legs have gone" becomes increasingly common for those over 30, often unjustly. Players like Casemiro are under scrutiny for their declining performance, with observations of being slower and amassing more bookings. But the spotlight can be unforgiving, failing to account for the mental and tactical aspects that can compensate for physical decline. While some players accept the reality of aging, others push themselves to maintain peak physical condition. The narrative of "legs gone" is rooted in a bygone football era, often disregarding the evolving demands of the modern game and the potential influence of factors such as game intelligence. However, the narrative persists, with the fate of aging players in the sport remaining at the mercy of public opinion.

By the Numbers
  • Casemiro has been cautioned in 8 of his last 11 matches for club and country
  • He has made fewer interceptions in the Premier League this season compared to last (down from 1.4 per game to 0.9)
State of Play
  • The critique of "legs have gone" is deeply rooted in the historical perception of football
  • Physical data is increasingly used to evaluate player performance and conditioning
  • Modern demands of the game are significantly higher, especially for positions like full-back and striker
Bottom Line

The "legs have gone" narrative reflects an outdated understanding of the evolving demands and compensatory factors in professional football, failing to fully acknowledge the mental and tactical aspects that can offset physical decline.