Earlier in the week I profiled 5 youngsters I believe could have big seasons ahead of them this season. I thought I’d look at the reverse today, by profiling 5 older players who believe could have a big impact this season. I’ve looked at players 33 or above for this one; any I’ve missed let me know !
Myles Weston
Top assister last season in the National League, 34 year old Myles Weston is still one of the finest widemen in the division, despite his age. Blessed with natural pace, Weston provided 11 assists and also laid on 0.9 key passes per 90, 3rd highest in the division behind Macauley Southam-Hales and Cal Roberts. Clearly, Weston is a creative force, one who would be key for any National League side.
Dagenham have strengthened this summer, but Weston will remain a key figure. If he can be the most creative player in the division again, the Daggers will look like likely promotion candidates. Weston keeps producing, and at this level he is extremely dangerous; age isn’t slowing him down.
Jason Demetriou
Despite being 34, Southend’s Jason Demetriou ranked incredibly highly in the key full back metrics, as will be outlined in my article coming soon. The full back is able to draw on his vast experience, a career which has seen him play over 450 league games, and make over 50 appearances for his country. Demetriou has been an ever present for Southend, staying with the Seasiders as they dropped down the divisions.
Whilst Demetriou’s role may diminish this season, he still cuts a dependable figure, one who will put in a good performance when needed. If Southend are to mount a serious promotion challenge, they will need to draw on every bit of experience they have, and the 34 year old full back has bags of it. With over 500 career appearances, Demetriou may look at one final promotion come the end of the season.
Padraig Amond
Recent Woking signing Padraig Amond goes into the 21/22 campaign as one of the favourites for the top scorer award, despite being 34. This is mainly down to his previous season in the National League, one in which he scored 30 times for Grimsby as he fired them to promotion. In fact, Amond’s goal record is sublime; 161 career league goals underlines the forwards ability to find the back of the net.
Amond is an accurate shooter; in the 18/19 campaign in League 2, Amond hit the target with 49.11% of his shots, an extremely high total, one which he bettered in the 17/18 campaign with 51.04% of his shots on target. Clearly, when given opportunities Amond will strike. Whilst he only had limited involvement last season at Exeter City, he still managed 0.25 goals per 90, which for a bit part player is very impressive. Clearly, the Cards have themselves a very good striker.
Dean Moxey
36 year old Dean Moxey played the 6th most minutes of any over 33 player, and the experienced defender was an ever present for Torquay last season. A versatile player who can operate in either central or left defensive positions, Moxey has a wealth of experience, one who has over 550 games to his name. He also won 64.81% of his defensive duels and 64.56% of his aerial duels, both more than decent at this level. Clearly, despite his age, he is one of Torquay’s most dependable defenders.
Moxey will be a key figure in Gary Johnson’s rebuild this season. Whilst his minutes may diminish as Johnson looks to reduce the average age of the squad, his experience will be vital. Most of Johnson’s business has been youthful, so some old heads will be required to provide balance to the squad. Moxey is just that; he has seen it all in his career, and I believe he has another season in him at this level.
Lois Maynard
Maynard is the youngest player featured here, at 33 years of age, but the midfielder is still vastly experienced, with over 225 appearances made in the National League. At 6ft3, Maynard cuts a towering figure, and his stature allows him to play in the centre of defence too. He played 30 league games for play off finalists Solihull, showing he is still more than capable at this level.
Maynard joins one of the relegated sides from League 2 in Oldham, and he adds valuable National League experience to the side. Maynard won 63.77% of his aerial duels, as well as 68.5% of his defensive ones, showing that in the defensive midfield role he is still highly effective. Maynard also had a 82.27% pass success rate, extremely high for any player, showing the veteran can still play. He is a key addition for Oldham this season, and is one of the most experienced players in the league too.
xN: Expected Nonsense 