A key area of the squad, which can certainly benefit from the steadying influence of an older player, and which can protect that sort of player from the inevitable problems that come with older legs is defensive midfield. Get the right player and they can be an anchor for the rest of the team, adding additional cover to the back-line as well as offering a strong foundation for attacks - and there are some who won't cost anything...
9. Owen Hargreaves
Age: 31 Nation: England If it wasn't for injuries ravishing his career, Owen Hargreaves could potentially still be playing for one of the Manchester clubs and England, but as it is in the last five years, the Canadian born defensive midfielder has made just 28 league appearances and he's recently left Manchester City. Linked this summer with QPR, Lille, Toronto FC and even Chelsea, the former Bayern Munich star is likely to attract a lot of interest in the game, but offer him enough (provided you have the money and your club the status to attract him) and you could have a strong addition to your squad. As long as you can keep him fit.
10. Cristiano Zanetti
Age: 35 Nation: Italy Okay, so he's old even for a defensive midfielder, but his experience could be an invaluable asset especially in this position, and he could well be a strong contender for back-up to your first choice defensive midfielder, or, in the right lower level team, a short-term option for the first team.
Other free defensive midfielders: Papa Bouba Diop (34), Salif Diao (35), Vincenzo Grella (32).