Joe Allen [Sold]

[Pablo]

Bale has become some player.

However in the PL Suarez, van Persie and probably Mata are top bracket. Bale at the moment IMO is in the next batch below them, with Aguero, Yaya etc.

With the potential to be in that top bracket if he can keep this level up until the end of the season and beyond.

[Fredo]

It's clear that Bale has some work to do to be classed as world class. Allen is the new Xavi, so he IS world class.

[Pablo]

I see Jack Wilshere is the latest media darling to be adorned with the "world class" label, heaping untold pressure on him in the process as the next coming of Platini or something.

I feel sorry for him. He looks like he's going to be become some player, but he isn't yet. He's just starting out and has achieved nothing yet. And you know the second he has a few bad games the press will label him as a flop at the first opportunity.

[Rich]

With the potential to be in that top bracket if he can keep this level up until the end of the season and beyond.

Which is what I said to start with!

He's moving into that top bracket...

[Rich]

I see Jack Wilshere is the latest media darling to be adorned with the "world class" label, heaping untold pressure on him in the process as the next coming of Platini or something.

I feel sorry for him. He looks like he's going to be become some player, but he isn't yet. He's just starting out and has achieved nothing yet. And you know the second he has a few bad games the press will label him as a flop at the first opportunity.

Roy Keane was quick to point that out too about Wilshere, way too soon to label him with such a tag.

[Captain Stu]

Bale isn't world class, he's far too inconsistent for that - he'll either have a blinder and score a cracking goal or be completely anonymous apart from a yellow card for diving.

Spurs will be genuinely made up if they sell him for £40M or higher which I suspect they will.

[Pablo]

Which is what I said to start with!

He's moving into that top bracket...

I said he has the potential to achieve it, not that he's necessarily going to get there. I have doubts about his consistency.

You insinuated that he's almost there already. Which I disagree with.

We're arguing over nothing here in true Est style aren't we? But I don't care, and I'm right, and that's the end of it. So deal with it Rich

[dww]

Bale is what 23? He's still developing. But I'd say that at this point he is better than Mata from Shaggy's list and is improving still.

Not sure there is much value in rehashing the 'world class' debate but I think it is interesting that both Walcott and Bale are really starting to fulfil their potential at similar ages. In recent years people have too often thought that a player past 21 isn't going to kick on substantially (I guess this applies mostly to non-defensive players).

[Red_Polo]

I agree with Shaggy. You can argue over who fits into what category but I'd definitely take Mata over Bale. He's less eye-catching but so intelligent and more consistent. His general play is way ahead, he scores about as many goals as Bale but whilst creating far more chances.

[red g]

Bale has become some player.

However in the PL Suarez, van Persie and probably Mata are top bracket. Bale at the moment IMO is in the next batch below them, with Aguero, Yaya etc.

Although I would probably put Yaya and Aguero up with them they are just being mis managed so not having the best of seasons!

[Shaggy]

I agree with Shaggy. You can argue over who fits into what category but I'd definitely take Mata over Bale. He's less eye-catching but so intelligent and more consistent. His general play is way ahead, he scores about as many goals as Bale but whilst creating far more chances.

Agree with all that, surprised Dave rates Bale more highly than Mata. I love Mata, he's sheer class.

[RichC]

Mata, Suarez & Sturridge

[Red_Polo]

Just seen Rodgers tell Shreeves that Allen's been struggling with his shoulder since October and will likely need surgery on it.

[baitman]

Just seen Rodgers tell Shreeves that Allen's been struggling with his shoulder since October and will likely need surgery on it.

must be all the big man cuddles he gets from brendan

[Chris]

Played well when he come on. 3 good games in a row now. Nick77 will be raging.