I dread to think what the score would have been if Coates had played on Sunday. He couldn't cope against a non-league striker nevermind a "world class" one like RvP. As I said on another thread when you play against top strikers your best bet is to limit the service in to them. Prevention rather than cure etc. Our back 4 had more to deal with in the first half than you'd want them to have to deal with in a month of games. In away games like that what you need is to keep the pressure off the back line as much as possible and thanks to another appauling first half display by the midfield and attacking units we just invited wave after wave of attack.
I would say 'world class' should meet at least 2 of the following: a) The best or amongst the best player(s) in their respective position b) Plays for a big club and shines - e.g. Ronaldo and Messi are surrounded by top class players but still stand out c) Rises to the occasion and performs on the big stage Obviously this is not a definitive list but a rough guide as to who I would deem as world class.
The midfield is our problem area. I am more concerned with our midfield than our defence or attack. The midfield is too sparse which, as you say, invites the opposition to attack the defence. The front 3 are expected to attack and score but find it difficult to find the space because the midfield don't play the ball into the right areas. We don't see the clever through ball anymores etc. I'm concerned with the tactics as I feel the better clubs will easily find gaps and spaces. This is further compounded by the fact that we haven't beaten a team in the top half of the table yet.
