Thing that isn't being considered is that meite has had a horrendous injury. He might not be able to extend himself anymore. Muscle tears and all that. Bale had the same problem for the last 3 years of his career, Michael Owen as well. Players who rely on explosive, powerful acceleration can get serious problems and if affects their mobility. He isn't the player he was at reading, and I reckon that he's compensating for those Injuries. In fact, he's probably only got a couple more years in him at a decent level.