How long can Wes keep going?

[The Great Mass Debater]

I have just put a link to an article on the end of the Sunderland match thread. In talking about Wes Hoolahan, it stated that Wes was getting on at 33, but that pace was never part of his game. This leads to the obvious question, just how long can Wes go on?

Wes' main contribution to the cause is his creativity. Sure, his nimble-footedness might deteriorate as he gets on, but with the fitness level pro's have these days, might Wes have a lot more in him than we realise.

Jamie Cureton is still banging them in at almost 40, so Wes could obviously keep on playing if he wanted, but how long could he remain at the top level? If his legs start to go, could he remain an effective player in a deeper role? What Wes does may well be resistant to the ageing process, so we might have him for years to come

 

[Suffolk Canary]

I definitely think he could keep going to about 35 with his style of play.  Every year I'm convinced it will be the year he finally drops off but he seems to be getting better with age!   He didn't seem to get as much credit as he deserved for saturday. He was central for two, and involved in the other goal. David Silva could learn a thing or two from him 

 

[It's Character Forming]

I think he's playing the best football of his career.  As has been said, if his contributions had been made by a "top" player the pundits on MOTD would've been raving about them.

because his game is not dependant on speed or physicality I can see him doing well for us for another couple of seasons- his reading of the game is just getting better.  For example look at the way he kept the ball in the build up to the chance Jerome out over- he could see an earlier cross would've been blocked so kept possession rather than tryin to force it.

when he finally stops playing for us we'll realise he was an all time Canary great.

 

[eatonparkboy]

His game isn't built on speed and strength. It is built on a bit of magic now and again. Just like his pass to Whittaker for the second goal. And the style we showed Saturday suits his game. Moving about quickly is right up his street.

He will lose form, players like that do. And we will have to forgive him and hope he regains it quickly.

I think he can go on for this and next season comfortably and hopefully injury free.

 

[Canaryboy]

Really difficult question to answer really, because footballers can decline rapidly (look at Rio Ferdinand, Premier League Team of the Year to absolutely shot within months). 

All I know is that he still looks top class to me! 

 

[splutcho]

I don't think anyone really knows until we know. Could possibly play at his level til 36/37, or this could be his last year!

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

An injury could make all the difference. Am I right in thinking that Wes has generally stayed clear of injury? (touching a huge amount of wood right now)

*That sounded very wrong*

 

[yoraffetto]

Pirlo took a bit of a nose dive at 35. He's a guy in the midfield who doesn't rely on much pace or athleticism.

 

[Gorlestongirl]

'An injury could make all the difference. Am I right in thinking that Wes has generally stayed clear of injury? (touching a huge amount of wood right now)'

He was injured for the last weeks of our 'relegation to League One season', and it seemed at the time that his absence robbed us of any real hope of staying up.  I agree that he shows no signs of wear, and his reading of the game gets better and better. It 's clear that his team mates really trust and value him; all those shots of them hugging the little man when he has set up a goal for them.  I think that his belated return to international play has given him a real boost.  He's a genius and he's ours.