Get Those Boots Back Out! 6 Recently Retired Stars Who Could Still Do a Job in the Premier League
Ah, retirement.
Some players leave the game far too late, playing out the twilight of their career in denial as they embarrassingly sleepwalk towards their belated end.
Some, however, seem to depart for the TV studios or coaching route way too soon, when they appear to be more than competent to play at the highest level.
Let's take a look at a few recently retired stars that could still do a job as legitimate players in the Premier League...
6. Xabi Alonso
Place this suave, suave man in front of any Premier League back four and you could yet witness his trademark cross-field passes and composure as if he never left.
Xabi Alonso retired last summer, ending his illustrious career at Bayern Munich after spending time at Real Sociedad, Liverpool and Real Madrid.
You could bet your mortgage on the former Spain international still being able to do a job in England's top flight, and if not, let's just get him back for his coolness anyway.
5. Michael Carrick
Now part of Jose Mourinho's backroom staff at Manchester United, Michael Carrick's traits as a player could very easily still prove effective in the Premier League today.
Never one to rely on pace or any other qualities that are affected by age, Carrick was better known for how he played the game mentally. He always knew where to be, where everyone else was, what to do and when.
Dare I say it, but his absence on the pitch could quite easily be a factor in the Red Devils' current issues.
4. Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard opted to see out his playing career in New York having spent the entirety of it previously in England, and not at one point did he look past it.
When his incredibly successful 13 years at Chelsea came to an end, many could have been forgiven for thinking that Lampard's career would slowly fizzle out.
However, the former England international popped up at Manchester City, where his trademark knack for arriving late in the box to score was seen eight more times for the Citizens.
Even in the MLS, Lampard recorded 15 goals in 31 games in his one season with New York City and never once looked like losing it.
3. Paul Scholes
Even in his frequent appearances in charity games and testimonial matches, Paul Scholes is still noticeably the best player on the pitch by far.
You can tell that the Manchester United legend just loves playing football, even now; his recent appearance for Sunday League team Royton Town in the 11th tier of English football just proves that.
He could probably get a game for his former club United at the minute, but failing that, there is no doubting that Scholesy could still do a job at the top level.
2. Dirk Kuyt
The former Liverpool poacher thrived off his goalscoring senses and tireless work ethic throughout his career.
Even in his last professional match, the Dutchman bagged a hat-trick to clinch the Eredivisie title for Feyenoord before retiring just days later.
There is no doubting the fact that, should he be stuck up top for any Premier League side, he'd do a job for you and perhaps pick up a goal or two.
1. Steven Gerrard
The current Rangers boss had it all as a player during his 17 years at Liverpool and single season with LA Galaxy.
Even in training with the Scottish giants, he has been filmed pulling off some outrageous touches and looking every bit as good as the player he once was.
You could even argue that, after his side's dismal showing in the Old Firm derby recently, Gerrard should perhaps be thinking of putting himself on Rangers' midfield.