I read an article about world class players recently so I want to throw more light on the issue with this article. Firstly, imo, a world class player is a player who at his best form can make a world 11 selection or at least make the bench for his preferred position in a team of world best 22 players. By this defnition, players can drift in and out of world class rating based on their current form. A few years ago Rooney and Lampard were rated world class but now they won't make the team. Currently in the pl, I would only rate Silva, Yaya, Tevez, Rvp, Aguero as true world class players. Ashley Cole, Vidic, Terry, Kompany, Nani, Torres, Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard and the likes were once world class but they have dropped off due to age or inconsistency. The likes of Suarez, Hazard, Mata, Carzola, Balotelli, etc could be world class players in a few players if they up their game a bit and remain consistent.
Players that were/are defnitely world class for most of their professional carreers are the likes of Zidane, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo (both), Messi, Baggio, Drogba, Eto, Ibrahimovic, Overmars, Kluvert, Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Giggs, Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Xavi, Iniesta, Ballack, Lahm, Figo, Kaka, Bierhoff, Klinsman, Del Piero, Totti, Maldini, Pirlo, Seedorf, Snidjer, etc
Sadly, England or rather the pl has had relatively few world class players in the last few decades, hopefully City and Chelsea are doing something about it.
I hope this puts the matter of world class to rest.
Furthermore, I consider the following managers (managers that can be trusted at the helm of a world class team) to be world class: SAF, Jose, Wenger, Carlo. I can't seem to remember anyone else.
World class players in the premier league
posted on 3/9/12
Statements which are all bull.
"Generally the best players aren't at the best teams."
Yeah. You're right about this one. Best players aren't necessarily at the best clubs. No need to keep repeating it.
"In recent years, Arsenal sell world class players not buy them."
Apart from Cesc and RVP we haven't sold any other world class players, recently.
And we bought Cazorla and Arshavin who was world class at the time.
Podolski is borderline too.
"If a truely world class player was available for £12m, there would be huge competition to sign him."
This comment proves and confirms you have no idea.
Malaga were facing financial issues. And Arsenal took advantage of it.
You're acting as if Malaga put a £12 million price tag on his head and offered to sell him.
Just do yourself a favour and leave. It's embarrassing.
posted on 3/9/12
Why would I leave, the nonsense you spout is hilarious
Podolski borderline world class Malaga's financial issues were a secret
posted on 3/9/12
Generally speaking if you want a (made up by me) benchmark for world class, then it's that 10 years after they retire people who support teams in other leagues will still say "wow, he was &*(ing class"
posted on 3/9/12
"Podolski borderline world class"
Podolski is class. But what do I expect from a Rangers fan who;s subjected to God awful football week in, week out?
" Malaga's financial issues were a secret "
Arsenal were in there before everybody else. Why say he was available for £12 million then, you be'llend?
posted on 3/9/12
Subjected? No, I support Rangers. You might not understand the word though.
Podolski is a Bayern reject
Cazorla was linked with Spurs before Arsenal His availability was well documented in the press
posted on 3/9/12
I've got a south american mate who genuinely asked if Henry was a class player or not
Up until 4-5 years ago people outside our borders didn't rate prem players
And the poor premiership the last few years didn't help
posted on 3/9/12
The Sergio Busquets School for Performing Arts™ - Living in a Wenger Wonderland
You can't play at your peak from 17-30. Not possible.
Pele did. First world cup winners medal 1958 aged 17, last world cup winners medal 1970 when aged 30. In between 1,000 goals and wonderful memories.
posted on 3/9/12
It is ridiculous to use Pele as an example, he is not an example, he is an exception. One of the greatest players of all time.
Except he didn't score 1000 competitive goals. He counts goals scored in friendlies. This competitive goals tally is also less impressive when you consider where they were scored, most in Brazilian state championship of Sao Paulo.
posted on 3/9/12
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 3/9/12
You clearly don't understand football. Either that or its a poor attempt at an insult. I appreciate quality when I see it. Cazorla is a quality player not world class
Tim Sherwood the Spurs scout has watched Malaga on a number of times recently. That's a fact. The press linked Spurs with Cazorla, given he was available and did in fact move this summer I think there is a high chance he was a Spurs target. The press also linked Arsenal to Cazorla before he signed, they do get it right at times.