The main problem is perception: If LFC are beaten by Hull and drop points to WBA. What does this mean? some say it is because LFC are poorer than usual. But others can say that Hull and WBA are good teams especially at home. How do you prove your argument is the right one? How do you prove that more british players = poorer quality ??
By looking at who else these so called poor teams beat. Its not just a one off, the lesser teams regularly beat the higher ranked sides.
How do you prove that this shows is a spread of higher quality rather a spread of lower quality? i.e the lesser sides are high quality rather the top sides are of poorer quality than usual.
Competitiveness as absolutely nothing to do high quality or low quality, its about being able to compete with your opponents. As i said the last time I got involved in this discussion, the championship this year as been extremely competitive but is in no way shape or form of the highest quality.
Thats the problem. We can demonstrate competitiveness. Quality and actual strength of the sides in a league are more difficult to prove.
I don't think quality is up for argument either, it's clear for all to see that Barca and Real are head and shoulders above everyone else, and I include Bayern in that too.
Sure no argument there. But how can one then extend this to say that the German or Spanish league are of higher quality?
I guess that comes down to an individual and whether they prefer quality or competitiveness. Barca have quality players and are dominant in most games, I'd imagine that would become slightly boring if you watch it week-in-week-out. Exciting games come when you are on the edge of your seat and the only way that happens is if there is a chance of losing or even drawing at times; aka competitive matches.
I meant the rest of the teams in these leagues. I know that people have different perceptions and definitions of "quality". Let's settle for the sake of this argument that this means the strength of teams rather than competitiveness of matches. Bayern dominates the German Bundesliga. And is one of the very top Europan teams - FACT. Howver, what about the teams below them? how good are they? are they better than the teams below Chelsea? For example are the teams that are 2nd to 4th better/stronger than the prem's 2nd to 4th teams?
There is no way of ever know, its purely opinion based. Much like the endless talk of Rangers and Celtic joining the PL and how well (or not) they'd do had it happened (prior to Rangers demotion of course)
That's not a fair assessment either though since everyone knows English clubs have money to burn and we love to pay over the odds too
If we did go with the costs of all the players in the leagues, then the premiership will win hands down. Shows how difficult it is to judge whether a league is in decline or not. What we could say is that the top 4 are in decline or the champions are not as strong. City performed poorly. What does this prove about the other teams?
I wouldn't use other leagues to make that judgement though. I would look at the quality on offer in PL compared to yesteryear. Again, it would come down to opinion. I don't think the lower sides have declined, I'd say they have gotten better if anything. The tops sides aren't as good as they once were. Top getting weaker and bottom getting stronger makes for a more competitive league but not the best quality of football.
After watching Real tonight I think some of those 'stars' are vastly overrated. The lack of competition in other leagues mean the clubs like Real, Barca or Bayern are able to fight on more than one front, the English domestic game if far more competitive meaning the Euro/domestic trade off is more difficult. Its almost as if a top English has to choose between a title challenge and a European run.
One really big factor imo...well two very big factors Actually 1. League cup exists nowhere else in Europe. Our clubs seem to chase it now cos it's over before cl but chelsea had to play us over two legs and then ****ed up last 16 2. No winter break as a result. All the more tiring in theory compared to the other leagues Imo sure the others are easier leagues in some ways but either side on show tonight and certainly either side last night to trash chelsea over 2 legs
Real are an imbalanced side and it stems from their midfield. They don't have a quality ball winner/DM. Kroos, James and Isco - all 3 are wonderful technicians but they don't compliment one another. Ironically, their best DM is Casemiro who is out on loan to Porto.
