Zinedine Zidane 's theory could explain Real Madrid 's transfer strategy and their mega-money signing of Eden Hazard.
Los Blancos paid £103.5 million in 2019 to bring Hazard from Chelsea to the Santiago Bernabeu but the Belgian, who turns 31 in January, has struggled for form and fitness in the Spanish capital.
Some questioned the decision to pay so much for a 28-year-old player with a history of persistent injuries but team-mate Toni Kroos has hinted at a reason that suggests why Real seemingly still have faith in Hazard, despite Zidane leaving at the end of last season.
In an interview with Goal, Kroos revealed that the former Madrid manager believes players peak in their latter years.
"I remember something that Zizou told me two years ago, when I was 29 and we had already won three Champions Leagues together," the midfielder explained.
"He said that, from his experience as a player, the best time is from 30 or 31 and that the best was coming.
The 31-year-old, born one year and three days before team-mate Hazard, added: "Let's see if my career is like that too. I think that at 31 I can still play really well."
But Zidane's comments could apply to Hazard, too, who although has not yet registered a goal this season, is certainly being trusted by new manager Carlo Ancelotti, who oversaw the shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of FC Sheriff in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The winger is in Real's most-used starting XI this term and has helped them sit top of the La Liga table with a flourishing attack, scoring 21 goals in seven games.
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Second-placed Real Sociedad have scored just 10 and Rayo Vallecano, led by former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao, are closest to Madrid with 13 strikes.
But Kroos' side are still looking to add to their attack, attempting to sign Paris Saint-Germain and France superstar Kylian Mbappe with two mega bids in the lead-up to transfer deadline day - the final offer reportedly being £189 million.
And the former Germany international, who has played with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, "would like" a player of Mbappe's calibre to arrive at the Bernabeu.
"In the summer I already said that I would like a player like him to come, but if he doesn't we have a good team," he stated.
"Let's see what happens in the future, it is difficult for me to say because I am not the one who decides. His quality has not changed, he is a good player and what we know is that Madrid wanted to sign him but in the end they didn't succeed," Kroos continued.
"Everything continues, also without Mbappe here. I think we are doing well and for the future my opinion has not changed: the best players have to be at Madrid and he is sure to be one of them."
