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Bergkamp's retirement match recently got me to thinking on player longevity. DB was reknowned for keeping himself in great physical shape, but also for not playing unless he was 100% fit - he wouldn't carry even a minor injury.
As a result, in a career spanning 20 years from 1986-2006 he made only 631 appearances for clubs and country.
In comparison, Roy Keane's professional career lasted from 1990-2006, 4 years shorter, but he managed 673 top-level appearances in that time. I guess that while he might have limited the length of his career by playing on minor injuries, the total games played he managed was similar.
Dennis Wise in 20 years managed 631 appearances although this includes the last couple out of the top flight. Paul Ince has been playing for 21 years and is on 801 appearances (although again not all in Div1/Prem). Most interestingly I thought, Ryan Giggs, despite debuting in 1990/91 (I think?) has managed less appearances than Keane in his career - 530 so far.
Is there a realistic limit to the number of games any player has in them at the top level, no matter how long a period this is spread over?
And which is better, a player who plays through injury and therefore shortens their career, or one who looks after themselves and gives longer service as a result?
As a result, in a career spanning 20 years from 1986-2006 he made only 631 appearances for clubs and country.
In comparison, Roy Keane's professional career lasted from 1990-2006, 4 years shorter, but he managed 673 top-level appearances in that time. I guess that while he might have limited the length of his career by playing on minor injuries, the total games played he managed was similar.
Dennis Wise in 20 years managed 631 appearances although this includes the last couple out of the top flight. Paul Ince has been playing for 21 years and is on 801 appearances (although again not all in Div1/Prem). Most interestingly I thought, Ryan Giggs, despite debuting in 1990/91 (I think?) has managed less appearances than Keane in his career - 530 so far.
Is there a realistic limit to the number of games any player has in them at the top level, no matter how long a period this is spread over?
And which is better, a player who plays through injury and therefore shortens their career, or one who looks after themselves and gives longer service as a result?
