Squad Age

[Captain Fulhamerica]

I was thinking the other day about the age of our squad, and specifically how few players we have in the "prime" age of their careers.  So I ran through our squad and created a histogram of player age:

Fulham:



For arguments sake, lets consider the typical prime age for a player to be 23 - 28 (obviously this isn't the case for every player).  By that definition, Fulham only have six players currently in their prime.  That's not many, especially when you consider that several of those players (Chihi: 26, Voser: 27, Zverotic: 28) aren't even first team regulars.  It seems like the dichotomy that exists in our squad between the aging vets and our new generation of youngsters might be a factor contributing to our inconsistent play so far this season. 

Now let's compare this to Bournemouth, who are on top of the Championship at the moment. 

Bournemouth:



Bournemouth have 18 players between 23 and 28.  This is clearly a formula that's working for them, and it makes me look forward a few years when our young players will be in their mid-20s with loads of experience under their belts.  If we can keep this group of youngsters at the club, we can achieve big things.  049:gif

[NogoodBoyo]

Very good point.
Nogood "can't argue with that, isit" Boyo

[Artful Dodger]

I would totally agree that the amount of young players we have is going to result in inconsistent performances. It could also be said that if we keep the squad together, we could be awesome in 3 years time!!

[Captain Fulhamerica]

All this exquisite data analysis and two replies?  What ever happened to the thinking man's Fulham fan?  092.gif

[snarks]

I haven't looked at the squad to correspond with your analysis, but it shows that CM and Striker at 2 positions that Fulham will have to address over the next few years as it will be difficult to keep hold of all the talanted kids.

[SuffolkWhite]

Interesting reading, we need to keep these youngsters coming through and on long contracts!

:merry christmas: