Last season my 32Y.O. retiring AMC was top league rated, 2nd lead goal scorer, and 2nd most MoM awards - 41%Q at end of season.
This season my 32 y.o. striker leads ratings and goals in league. I think he's about 40%
My 33 y.o. DR has been my top rated defender most games, even though he is 21% and other defenders are 80+ and younger.
If you toss players, that's all your decision. For me, I've proved what can be done with old or low Q players.