The 'top two' are hardly paupers—but have spent their riches more wisely than other teams
IF FOOTBALL fans needed a reminder of how strong the Premier League’s top two teams are, they got a timely one on August 10th, the first day of the new season. Liverpool, who finished second in the division last time and won the Champions League, Europe’s top knockout competition, thumped Norwich 4-1 in the opening match of this campaign. The Reds accumulated a massive 97 points in the Premier League last season, and were pipped only by Manchester City on 98.
However, the two clubs have invested those riches wisely, by seeking players with two characteristics. First, they should be young, so that the club could enjoy most of their peak years between the ages of 24 and 28. Second, they should belong to clubs outside of Europe’s elite, who have less bargaining power to demand a fat transfer fee. Such a strategy might seem risky, because it is hard to know exactly how a young talent will develop, or whether he can step up to the highest level.
Arsenal have also rejuvenated themselves. The Gunners were once famous for nurturing callow foreigners but lost patience with that approach five years ago. The club has become increasingly reliant on older heads, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang , Mesut Özil , Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Nacho Monreal . Last season only Burnley gave more minutes to players older than 28, estimates Mr Mayhew.
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