Surely now when I say the best league in the world, most people will straightaway refer to none other than the Barclays Premier League (or more widely known as English Premier League). Yes, the English League. They have come a long way from European minnows (among the major football league) to ultimate conqueror of Europe's Premier Club Competition- UEFA Champions League. Last season's all English final is the ultimate evidence to cast away any doubts or doubters that- Barclays Premier League is the best league in the world right now!
To add the icing on the cake, Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo was named UEFA's European Club Footballer of the Year, and also the Forward of the Year, while John Terry, Frank Lampard and Peter Cech made up the BPL dominations in the Defender, Midfielder and Goalkeeper of the Year. So, now the question is, can the best league in the world win the World Cup 2010 in South Africa?
The implication of being the best league, is the foreign influx of players. Now, players-and also investors all around the world set their sight on coming to BPL. While more big money investors in the BPL will certainly raise the standard of the league further, the group of talented English footballers for the national team has certainly become an issue.
While Theo Walcott- the lastest young prodigy to set the world alight- hattrick may have cover up the national team's attacking prowess, but any right-minded can sensed a lack of talent when the squad include Emile Heskey, who is way passed his best years.
Besides, the goalkeeping department doesn't look good as well with Paul Robinson (who is not playing at his best) sitting on the bench, while David James (not the most steady of hands) started the game.
So now we know the problem, but what is the solution, or where is the potential talents that may be able to replace them. The bigger problem is, there are none, or they are not given the chance to show them. Why?Because in the best league in the world, the players must also be the best around. So no time for nurturing! One of the example is Glen Johnson, who moved to Portsmouth from Chelsea to play first team football. Who can blame Chelsea for not giving him more chance to play, when they have other complete-article players at their disposal?
The trend now and here-to-stay is there will be more players from outside the big four to join the England squad, and these teams actually provide the only hope for Capello if he is to steer England to glory. And if the Big Four expand to Big Five, then there will be a team less to produce talents for England, as they will be too busy buying the best players in the world to the best league in the world!
And in another 1 year plus, we will see whether the best league in the world can win the World Cup!
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