When do players signed at 18yo decline?

[mcdoomer]

My favorite players who have doubled as the best in my squad for several seasons now, both of whom were signed a 18yo —one, an MC and the other an AML [now best ever goalscorer with 118 goals, and 2 assists away from being best all time assister] — are 24yo this season.
They're beginning to decline in stats even though they still have very high skills. Makes me wonder if that's the end and this is what happens to players bought at 18. If there's a max number of seasons (5-6) for which players can be brilliant.

Context: Currently have a 27yo signed at 25yo who remains as good as when he first arrived. Signed an AML at 22yo once who went on to be brilliant until 26yo.

I think most people are "scared out" when the players decline to a certain level. I always keep my best players until they prove me wrong. Right now my main is team average age is 28. The most recent 7 star signing was a goalie 2 seasons ago. I have a few players I dont even care about their stats anymore. My DL had nothing over 100% last season and had 11 MOM and 8.2 AVR, with 23 assists. This season has nothing over 80% and already has 2 MOM and 1 10.0 in the first game. There are some "special players" in the game, I'm sure of it. Some people call them gem players. If your player starts to play bad under 80%, sell it. If he keeps doing what he always does... keep it. Not much more to it.

Bear in mind those players were all very well trained. Since nordeus messed the training system I have no idea how this will work once all those oldies retire. But I'm sure I can still be competitive until 50%-ish percent. Below that the system seems to be rigged against you.

[Temidayo_]

I think most people are "scared out" when the players decline to a certain level. I always keep my best players until they prove me wrong. Right now my main is team average age is 28. The most recent 7 star signing was a goalie 2 seasons ago. I have a few players I dont even care about their stats anymore. My DL had nothing over 100% last season and had 11 MOM and 8.2 AVR, with 23 assists. This season has nothing over 80% and already has 2 MOM and 1 10.0 in the first game. There are some "special players" in the game, I'm sure of it. Some people call them gem players. If your player starts to play bad under 80%, sell it. If he keeps doing what he always does... keep it. Not much more to it.

Bear in mind those players were all very well trained. Since nordeus messed the training system I have no idea how this will work once all those oldies retire. But I'm sure I can still be competitive until 50%-ish percent. Below that the system seems to be rigged against you.

For MC and DR/DL, I do not mind, but for attackers from whom I need goals, I definitely do mind.