Originally Posted by MadDogg

A world class player reaching the peak of his powers will cost more than a potential world class youngster, and will be preferred by the supporters. Three seaons ago when Ronaldo was still mostly potential while Ronaldinho was at his peak, who do you think would've cost more? Or Kaka when he was young compared to now? Or Anderson, a potentially world class player, costing us 17m after add-ons while Gerrard would cost over 30?

There is the occasional rare player who is recognised as being world class (not just potentially, but already) at a very young age. Messi, Benzema, Fabregas all fit into this catergory, as did Rooney when we signed him. These players could still fall away, but they are at a level where it's considered highly unlikely and they are as close to a sure thing as is possible at that age. Messi, Benzema and Fabregas are probably the only players under 21 in football today in that bracket. Other than those sure-things, a proven top player coming into his best years will be more in demand than a youngster who may very well not live up to his potential.