Those of you born in the glorious year of 1987 can take pride in the exploits of your peers. Gabriele Marcotti wrote a few years back about the maternity ward class of '87 and the intimidatingly talented bunch born that year. An attacking quartet of Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Karim Benzema would be the envy of all other years.
Born three years after that, James McCarthy has carved out a permanent spot in the heart of Everton's midfield. Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur tweeted out stats showing that McCarthy has played more Premier League games than any other player born in the same year as him. As Ken Early billed it, he is 'the hardest working footballer born in 1990.'
McCarthy's critics in Ireland have been quietened with qualification. However, a few negative results could lead to this spotlight being shone on his alleged underperformance in the national shirt once more.
His detractors may want to read our analysis of his performance against Germany - 'Four moments that sum up one of the great individual displays in an Irish jersey'.
Most league games per age: Lukaku leading class of '93, Hazard tops table for players born in '91. #efc #cfc (CIES) pic.twitter.com/PyqKUPtzfo
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) February 29, 2016
