'Footballing Reasons' is the new buzzword for football fans following the Rio Ferdinand debacle but Andrea Pirlo is proving that age is no barrier for making a positive impact at the European Championship in Poland/Ukraine.
At the age of 33 and after a title winning season at Juventus, Pirlo has assumed the central role in an Italian midfield that has surprised observers at the Euros. His creative touch led to the opening goal in the positive 1-1 draw with Spain for Di Natale as well as his sublime free kick in the draw with Croatia.
It is a throwback to Pirlos' days at AC Milan when he was considered one of the finest playmakers in the world. In a deeper role today in front of the defence he has assumed a leadership role in the centre of midfield. Playing slightly deeper in a 3 man midfield with Thiago Motta and Claudio Marchisio, he has been able to control the pace and location of Italy's' attacking play.
In the match with Spain he was behind what was arguably the only true creative action in midfield as he was able to open up the Spanish defence to allow Di Natale a sublime opener to the game. His vision and control on the ball provided a calm and effective 'out' ball when Spain had been applying the pressure we have seen from them in most games at international level. Pirlos reading of the game in front of the back three was also exemplarily, not allowing the Spanish playmakers Iniesta, Silva and Fabregas room in which to operate successfully.
Whereas Pirlo operated in a more defensive role against Spain, he was afforded much more space in the first 45 minutes against Croatia. This resulted in a master class of deep lying playmaking with Pirlo controlling the centre on the pitch. As he was afforded space in midfield he was able to receive the ball from the back three and look to hit Mario Balotelli with long balls forward to try and exploit the weaknesses in the Croatian defence. The only goal for Italy came from a sublime free kick from Pirlo on the right hand side of the box which again highlighted his brilliance from the dead ball. The fact that Croatia felt it necessary to change formation at half time and place Modric against Pirlo in order to quell his influence is testament to the control he displayed over the game at that point.
Providing the link between attack and defence makes Pirlo the very heart of what is making this Italy team appear better than many expected them to be at this tournament. The fact that he has been involved in all bar one of Italy's goals so far shows the influence that he has had over this developing Italian team.
Sunday now presents an intriguing battle between England and Italy, how England deal with the threat of Pirlo will no doubt decide the outcome of the game.
Does Rooney drop off and occupy the space that Pirlo will operate in?
Will Gerrard go toe to toe against the majestic magician?
After the feeble excuses from Roy Hodgson about 'Footballing Reasons' robbing Ferdinand of his place at the tournament. It's interesting to note that Ferdinand played only 2 games more than Pirlo over the season and Pirlo is currently looking likely to be in the star team of the competition come the end.
Pirlo has proven that age is certainly no barrier to success at one of the most entertaining Euros in recent memory.
Sunday is England's turn to see how he can be robbed of his magic right foot...