To get straight to the point; this Camel’s back is broken. Hearing it for the umpteenth time, “the pace of the English premier league is too much for teams outside of England”, the damage was done and my rant was inevitable. I am sick, disgusted, fed up, angered, bewildered; well you get the picture, of this nonsensical, and ludicrous not to mention unfounded theory being fed for the entire (gullible) football world to gobble up.

Firstly, this supposed dominance is as a result of the success of the top four in the champions league when they face other European powerhouses. Yes, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal have done England very proud in recent times in the champion’s league. Is that a reflection though of the strength of the league? If the league is so strong, then why, why oh why, isn’t this dominance evident in the UEFA Cup? If the league is so fast and so superior, why aren’t ALL English teams dominating in all tournaments? This is pg-13 so I will not answer, because it might be filled with f-bombs to Timbuktu. Shouldn’t 5th, and 6th, also have this same superior quality and pace that rattles all these slow and backward ‘footballing’ leagues around the world?

Secondly, the Spanish Primera Liga, i.e. La Liga, is one of the slowest, most artsy, most spacious, but most technical leagues in the world. Why did the champions of Europe come from this league? Not only did they win, but they absolutely demolished Manchester United, who aside from the opening ten minutes, were just like me; a spectator. How is this possible? Barcelona is not fast, do not play counter-attacking football, nor is their tempo or style of play anything that you would call fast. In fact ‘Barca’ is a prime example of “slow and steady, wins the race”. Explain please ;( Someone please call 911?) because I NEED help. The pace wasn’t too overwhelming for a Barca side whose defense is supposedly questionable.

I will enlighten my blind, lost sheep. The dominance of the top FOUR in the premiership, is as a result of the quality of their teams, PERIOD. With the exception of Real Madrid and Barcelona, every single European power outside of England was inferior this season, and have been for some time; proof?

AC Milan, Inter Milan, Roma, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen, Villareal, and Athletico Madrid, are all pound for pound, weaker, and in some cases MUCH weaker than these four English powerhouses. Don’t get me wrong, this does not in any way take away from the strength of the four clubs; after all it is the responsibility of these others to make the strongest squad possible, but it does NOT reflect on the quality of the league; proof?

Aside from Ibrahimovic, Maicon, Cesar and MAYBE Cambiasso which Inter player can take the place of a Manchester, Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal player? Aside from Kaka, and MAYBE Zambrotta, and Pato, which AC Milan player can fit into the top four clubs? Chiellini and Amauri are the only Juventus players that a team would try to buy. Roma don’t have a single player that can replace a player from the top four in the premiership. (Totti is as old as the Great Wall of China let’s get serious)
This is not to say the guys are not quality at all, but Vucinic vs Rooney is a mismatch. Stankovic vs Lampard or Gerrard or 'Fabreegas', is an EXTREME mismatch.
I will not keep going into these player to player comparisons, but it should be clear by now. If not, then maybe you’re trapped in the matrix, and need to free your mind. Do I even need to get into Bayern Munich’s roster?

As I said in the first segment, minus the few flukes; talent wins competitions. Talent costs money, but whoever has the most talent will win. It really is not rocket science, and should come as no surprise, that the teams that have the strongest squads, i.e. the top four English teams, as well as Barcelona will be the strongest competitors in the European competition. If the other teams want to bridge the gap and end the “dominance” of the foursome, they need not get “FASTER”, but simply, get BETTER. Class is class people, stop filling my head with your nonsense.


credit to AlexSA @ oleole.com for image