It seems to be a running theme over on footy365 these days that Barcelona's Champions League victory, Madrid's return to Galactico status and the number of world class players who are opting for Spain rather than England in recent years heralds a shift in power. While the Premiership's ascendancy has been built on big wages and the reputation that comes with 4 strong English teams progressing deep into the Champions League knockout rounds each year for the last few (with at least one English team in the final for the last 5 years), Footy 365 reckons that these factors have masked an underlying fact: the Premiership is not "sexy" enough to attract the truly big names in world football whilst they are at the very top of their game. Seba Veron, they argue, is the last world beater who opted to move to England at the height of his powers. Others have come to England young and became world beaters before moving to greener pastures (Ronaldo, Henry) while still others have come for the cash once past their best (Shevchenko, Deco). Man City's January failure to entice Kaka' across the Channel is advanced as a continuation of a pattern established when the likes of Ronaldinho and Rivaldo turned down opportunities to move to England. If rumours are to be believed, David Villa's another who has ruled out a move to England despite strong interest from and, presumably, big wages offered by several clubs. Samuel Eto'o may do the same. As for Torres, the theory is that he came here before he had reached the very top of his game (I would certainly agree with that) and time will tell how long he stays (this part I find harder to swallow but one never knows). Then, of course, we have the persistent rumours that both Alonso and Mascherano have had their heads turned by Spanish clubs and may depart this summer. If one does or, god forbid, both do, does that not add more fuel to the fire that La Liga's where it's at these days? In any event, it seems worth discussing whether we are truly in the midst of a power shift that will see La Liga claim the Premiership's mantle as best league in world football. Your thoughts?
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