So who is world class in our Lineup?

[The Wolfman]

[Redspin]

It's subjective - depends on your definition of world class, for me there have been very few world class players ever - Pele, Maradona, Platini, Cruyff, Best to name a few - more recently Zidane, Ronnaldinho etc.... but it's an exclusive club. The term world class is chucked about too easily.

100% right. To say that Rooney and Ronaldo at Man U are world-class, as someone else did, elevates them to the level of the players you describe when in reality they just haven't cut it at that level yet. Someone else said Toure of Arsenal for instance. How would he compare with a true world-class all-time great playing in the same position, like Franz Beckenbauer for instance? Not very favourably, I would suggest.

I honestly believe that only Gerrard in the England set-up can be considered world-class. Rooney's name gets bandied about, but he doesn't score enough goals (no goals in competitive internationals for 2 years) or dominate international games even when he isn't scoring - and don't get me started on Fwank Lampard

[WILF]

Don't agree about Fowler. He never looked comfortable in internationals. A player can't really be considered world-class unless he's carried his club league form into the international arena.

At the end of the day, "world-class" is an abused term, bandied about far too readily. But I would suggest that, as I said above, they have to do it in internationals consistently. Gerrard has done so, Fowler never did.

By that rationale,carrying club form into the international arena, I reckon Owen was World Class when young, look at his goal ratio and some of his international performances.

It is such a shame that neither he nor God ever fulfilled their potential
When you look at the longevity of Giggs, Scholes despite their injuries you have to wonder about LFC's medical staff in the past

Ooops a bit off topic

So now we have Stevie, Xabi is getting there and Momo,Agger for the future

But fcuk it ,who has won more trophies, Phil Neville or Gazza??
And which was World Class??

It is a team game

[dirty_sanchez]

Giggs was one of the best wingers in the world in his prime.

[Redspin]

**** off, scholes has been one of the best midfield players in the world for about 8 yrs now.

He's been the best in the prem alongside viera, keane, giggs and beckham (a few yrs ago).

Its sad but true, he was as any english player has been to being the best in the world in the past 10 yrs.

I sense a Man U interloper on the forum

[Redspin]

no, but in a group below that. He is ahead of stevie.

Confirmed - a definite Man U interloper

[red g]

100% right. To say that Rooney and Ronaldo at Man U are world-class, as someone else did, elevates them to the level of the players you describe when in reality they just haven't cut it at that level yet. Someone else said Toure of Arsenal for instance. How would he compare with a true world-class all-time great playing in the same position, like Franz Beckenbauer for instance? Not very favourably, I would suggest.

I honestly believe that only Gerrard in the England set-up can be considered world-class. Rooney's name gets bandied about, but he doesn't score enough goals (no goals in competitive internationals for 2 years) or dominate international games even when he isn't scoring - and don't get me started on Fwank Lampard

but rooney and ronaldo would be considered for a world 11, I would rate them World Class, Toure no, in time maybe. you mention a world class all time great as comparison .....well thats the level above. You are then in puskas/eusebio/maradona/pele etc territory

only player who has got close in the last ten years to be mentioned like that has been Zidane. TRULY world class

[Rich]

Surely World Class means the best players playing the world right now? Not historically... I reckon I could give Di Stefano a good beating at footy now....

[dww]

**** off, scholes has been one of the best midfield players in the world for about 8 yrs now.

He's been the best in the prem alongside viera, keane, giggs and beckham (a few yrs ago).

Its sad but true, he was as any english player has been to being the best in the world in the past 10 yrs.

Not sure that he has been that consistant in the last three years. However I will give you that he was one of the best players in the league and is still a quality performer. I think the thing he lacked and continues to some degree to lack is the ability to change the flow of a game.

I don't think I would put him above Stevie but they ar certainly in the same class bracket (particularly at their peaks). I also think there is more to see from Gerrard.

[red g]

Not sure that he has been that consistant in the last three years. However I will give you that he was one of the best players in the league and is still a quality performer. I think the thing he lacked and continues to some degree to lack is the ability to change the flow of a game.

I don't think I would put him above Stevie but they ar certainly in the same class bracket (particularly at their peaks). I also think there is more to see from Gerrard.

Think Scholes at his peak could be considered world class

[Snigger]

That is going by YOUR definition that if you are not as good as pele or maradonna etc... you are not world class.

Btw how do you rate baggio then?

Yes, that's why I said it's subjective. Dino was **** and Roberto had a **** hair cut - not fit to lick my windows, Maldini however......

[SouthAfricaRed]

Was thinking about our lineup the other day, esp after Momo got injured. Was wondering who people think our our true world beaters?

Certainly Stevie, although Xabi has the ability to be world class (if not the consistency at the moment) apart from that I think we're a bit short. Fowler 11 yrs ago would defo have been. I think Momo could be but he is still very young. Kuyt looks hardworking but not quite world class.

Anyone care to comment?

I'd rather have 11 players playing for each other than 11 "Stars" who only care about themselves.

How many of the Shankly and Paisley teams were truly "World Class" ? IE How many transferred their Club Form to International level - That is my definition of "World Class"

[Parm]

Yes, that's why I said it's subjective. Dino was **** and Roberto had a **** hair cut - not fit to lick my windows, Maldini however......

you do jest about Roberto Baggio?

[Sir Bob]

Personally, I'd call a player world class if they are in the top 3 or 4 players in their position. On that criteria, the following would be world class in my book

LFC - Gerrard
Man Utd - Van Der Sar, Neville (yes I know but you name me 3 or 4 better RB's),Rooney & Ronaldo
Arsenal - Henry, Gallas
Chelsea - Cech, Ballack, Shevchenko, Robben

[NICKZS]

Personally, I'd call a player world class if they are in the top 3 or 4 players in their position. On that criteria, the following would be world class in my book

LFC - Gerrard
Man Utd - Van Der Sar, Neville (yes I know but you name me 3 or 4 better RB's),Rooney & Ronaldo
Arsenal - Henry, Gallas
Chelsea - Cech, Ballack, Shevchenko, Robben

No John Terry?

Plus, I really wouldn't have Neville in there, even without bias. He has got where he is through determination and industriousness (much like Jamie in some ways) not through having massive amounts of talent IMO. I'd have Salgado, Zambrotta (when he plays there) or Alves for a start over him anyday