Plenty of 30-somethings to feature for Barça and Real Madrid
Up to eight players in Barça's squad - two are injured - and seven from Real Madrid are in their 30s
Real Madrid and Barça will face off again this Sunday and there will be plenty of experienced heads on show. It'll be an El Clasico contested by many players who are in their 30s, six from Barça and seven from Real Madrid.
Barça's 30+ group include Gerard Piqué (33), Leo Messi (32) and Sergio Busquets (31) who make up the spine of the team. Possible additions to the starting XI are Arturo Vidal (32) and Rakitic (31). However, Neto (30) will be on the bench whilst Luis Suárez (33) and Jordi Alba (30) are both out injured.
As for Real Madrid, all of their 30+ squad members are available for the match. The oldest player is Luka Modric, born on the 9th September 1985, is 34 and captain Sergio Ramos will join him in the 34-club in March. Other options available for Madrid include Benzema (32), Kroos (30) and also Marcelo (31). Both the German and Brazilian didn't feature against Manchester City midweek.
BARÇA HAVE A HIGHER AVERAGE AGE
FC Barcelona's options are reduced due to injuries but, even with 17-year-old Ansu Fati included, their average age is 27.3. Real Madrid have a slightly lower average with 26.6.
The only players in Madrid's squad who find themselves under 20 are Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, although the former misses out via suspension. Fati is the youngest player at Barça by some distance.
Either way, it promises to be a Clasico disputed by plenty of 30-somethings. Messi, Pique, Busquets and company are used to winning at the Santiago Bernabeu and will hope to carry on that good form on Sunday.
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