I would put the champions league above international as the standard is higher imo.
World class players almost inevitably play for either world class club or International sides.
Then Mata won everything there is to win except PL. So he should be world class player too? Silva never won CL, how can he be world class when he never performed well in CL? (CL>Internationals as you said), same for Ronaldo.
Again you are taking team's achievements to rate players. We had too many squad players who played big parts in trophies.
If DDG is not world class, then probably only Maradona Pele Messi Ronaldo etc etc are world class. You are probably right then.
Save your energy. You are just wasting your time explaining to people like him.
Arsenal: None. I don't consider Ozil WC, he plays well for a third of a season.
The point is, if he hasn't been tested at the top level, we do not know if he can perform at top level. We can guess and assume, but we haven't seen it. But looking at his performance in the domestic league, yes, he is a top player.
What is top level? Is PL not top level? All the big leagues like PL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A are top levels. If you are talking about Internationals then I disagree with it. It's a team that don't play as a team as they barely train with each other. Some national teams are sort of lucky as they will have so many players from 1 or 2 clubs and some national teams will have players scattered all over the world.
Sorry if I was unclear. With top level I meant The Big Games. Semis and finals in World cup, Euro and Champions League. It is of course a necessity that a player also is one of the best on his domestic league. Lots of top players like Ibrahimovic never got the opportunity to play those matches. If world class involves being great in those matches is of course debatable, but I personally think it should be one criteria.
Again it depends on his team too. You need a good team and good coach to reach semi finals and finals of big competitions.
I only really saw Ederson play when we played MCFC a few weeks back. And he was leaking goals at every opportunity.
Yes of course. I am not saying it is fair.
Would said player look out of place in a world XI team? most of the names listed would, thus are not world class in most peoples book. Some of these names listed would cause too much controversy in a wide football community. for example, who on earth would choose Willian in a WORLD FOOTBALLING 11? How could he be anywhere near your 1st choice RW position. He is not in the slightest bit competitive with the best in his position. Azpili is another, Courtois, Sane, Firmino. Most these prem players should never make a global list.
I’ve seen City quite a bit and really liked him. Most of all his distribution. Incredible passer. Don’t think anyone‘s better with the ball at his feet than him. Maybe ter Stegen, but that’s about it. Completely understand if you don’t think he’s there yet. But I simply like him.
I have seen him a bit and I really like his way of playing. If you add more than just saves to the criteria, he has several good attributes. He is excellent with his feet and has good anticipation and reading of the game.
Very few players could be certain to be included in a world XI. Messi and Ronaldo, but probably no other. Can’t think of anyone in the EPL who could be 100%.
Interesting to hear which players you don't rate as world class because they've only performed at that level for one season. Names please!
The thing is that Pogba was similar to what he is at United currently. Its not like he was levels above. While at Juve I never saw the world class label justified whenever I saw him play. Was he ever better than Vidal or Pirlo, whom he was selected ahead of in the X1? i'd say no. Utd fans only refer to the world XI selection but can never say how he was actually better. its like using a subjective accolade rather than ones own vision.
it doesn't need to be 100% is my point. They just need to not stand out as a spare peg in that company. e.g. Dele Alli does not belong in any world 11 past or present. Neither does Matic. Kroos would be a comfortable fit. As would prime Pirlo, but then so could Xavi. They could all occupy a CM role and the world 11 side would not lose much because they are all in the upper tier of that position.
Straight off the top of my head,
