How the EFL's 'best sleeper' is thriving at 34

Stevenage captain Piergianni, 34, credits recovery and self-care for thriving in his mid-30s after a late EFL debut at 27.

Stevenage defender Carl Piergianni has become one of lower league football's most consistent performers despite not making his EFL debut until age 27. Now 34 and club captain, he was named in last season's PFA League One team of the season. Piergianni attributes his continued excellence to meticulous attention to recovery, rest, and self-improvement away from the pitch, including prioritising sleep. He has missed only a handful of games since joining Stevenage in 2022 and says every year after turning 30 has been the best of his career, with his physical metrics continuing to improve.