Originally Posted by Ekeke

People claim that a player who 'doesnt rely on pace' will play longer. But, just because a striker isnt known for his pace doesn't mean he isn't relying on it. You need a certain amount of speed to be effective, even if its the bare minimum with your other ablities in your arsenal making you the player that you are.

You still need to be first to the ball, you still need to create half a yard of space, you still need to be able to take advantage of that space and be able to move through it at a certain speed, else the defenders will recover. While experience and having a footballing brain aid you in this, speed itself plays an important part too.

So yes, while those players may play a little longer - when the pace starts to go, they will be some way off the best options in their position. At a top club, if your level drops you may find yourself replaced.

As for Villa, even when the pace goes he'll still have a footballing brain and a pass the same way Berbatov will. At half his speed he'd still be a heck of a player. Though once again, at a top club he may find himself replaced.