Has the English Premiership become less attractive to footballer from non UK cou

1. 68

   hublimposted 15 years ago

   Has the English Premiership become less attractive to footballer from non UK countries?
   
   With the notable departures of Ronaldo and Xavi Alonso to Real Madrid, do you think English teams are struggling to attract or maintain the desired quality of players?

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2. 59

   RT9posted 15 years ago

   That is a very good question. In my opinion i believe that at first it did have an effect on EPL's ratings but with the good race picking up between the top 4 teams in the premiership those ratings are recovering. Myself i have been watching more of La Liga because im a newer soccer fan and enjoy watching Ronaldo's change to the Spanish league and watching all those superstars at Madrid try to mold into a team. I think the change of league by CR9 and Xavi Alonso has kind of re-ignited the great rivalry between Barca and Madrid in El Classico. All and all i think it was a great change for a sport that is really gaining fans here in America.

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3. 70

   Jefsaidposted 14 years ago

   I have touched on a similar point from various angles in my sports hubs.  I think there are a number of factors that contribute to the football in the Premeirship becoming less attractive.  Firstly, money and the fear of losing it through demotion means that other than the top clubs, most focus on the short-term ambition of not losing.  As a consequence, they deploy strategies that are simply geared towards results and pay no regard to style.  I would suggest that other than Arsenal due to Wenger's ethos, all other clubs would sacrifice attractive football for pure winning tactics if need be. Additionally, English culture and refereeing does not necessarily lend itself to the beautiful game.  For many overseas fans, flair and artistry are the cultural norm and as such, they expect the same from their players who then go on to excel in those required techniques and skills.  Money, first and foremost, has attracted many foreign players to these shores over recent years although the passion for football in this country is also a draw.  However, once an opportunity presents itself to a highly skilled player to turn out for the great European artisans like Barcelona or Real Madrid then they will inevitably jump at the opportunity to express themselves at the highest technical level rather than continue to endure the physical slog of the English league.

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