For many years now, followers of the top European leagues have had to imbibe the notion that the English Premier League is the supposed “best in show”.
Despite clear evidence on the pitch to the contrary over a number of seasons, there are still a large number of patrons prepared to pontificate that teams from the top flight in good ol’ Blighty offer the best entertainment money can buy. A not insignificant amount of money it must be said.
But let’s look at the facts.
The best players, by definition, play in La Liga. Gareth Bale, the most expensive player in the world, and James Rodriguez, arguably the best player at World Cup 2014 despite the honour going to Lionel Messi.
Ah yes, Messi. The four-time Ballon D’Or winner and his nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo, three-time Ballon D’Or recipient and the best-ever goalscorer in European competition.
Neymar, Antoine Griezmann, Karim Benzema — the list is practically endless.
Aside from individual excellence, Spanish teams in particular have ruled the European roost in the last decade. Four times in the last 10 years Barcelona have won the Champions League. Real Madrid have won on another occasion.
In the Europa League, over the same time period, Spanish teams have won the competition six times. Sevilla on four occasions, Atletico Madrid on the other two.
A combined 11 European titles doesn’t happen by accident and performances should be taken into account too: Atletico bossing Chelsea in the European Super Cup a few seasons ago and again at Stamford Bridge in the 2013/14 Champions League semi-final. Barcelona teaching Manchester United a lesson twice.
This season just three wins by English clubs in eight combined UCL ties, one coming via a 90th-minute penalty, tells its own story. The status quo hasn’t changed.
Spain remains far superior technically to the English top flight, who still rely on a certain amount of physicality in order to hand them the advantage.
A physicality that serves teams well domestically but leaves them looking second-rate against clubs from across the continent.
In a few weeks’ time, the Champions League group stage will be closed. As it stands, Arsenal will be out of the competition if they fail to beat Bayern Munich twice in their next two games. Manchester City face an uphill struggle to qualify if they lose to Sevilla, and Chelsea also if their poor form continues.
Looking at things subjectively, there isn’t too much doubt that the Premier League has the best atmosphere within stadium confines, is the best marketed worldwide and has the best structure. The RFEF and La Liga could certainly learn much from their Premier League counterparts in that regard.
But the best league in the world? Do me a favour.
— The writer is a freelance journalist and Spanish football expert
