By Cathy Milne
Barclays Premier League, English first division of soccer or simply Premier League is the name of the most important, best league of soccer in the world. On Monday, Aug. 15, 2017, the league celebrated its 25th birthday.
How could a league so young consider itself the best? Premier is, in fact, the evolution of the oldest soccer league, the very first one. In theory, England created soccer but that alone is not enough to explain the quality of the league.
Continental Success
The Premier is possibly the most questionable league in recent years. It is true that English teams have failed to live up to expectations lately. Nevertheless, do not forget their dominance in Europe. For example, between 2004-12, there were always English teams in the latest stages of Champions League, which is the European elite competition. Not only that, they were fierce and feared by all.
In spite of that, England’s top flight division could boast of huge continental success with over 10 teams that have won 40 European titles. These numbers put them up there with the top leagues but it is the variety of teams who have won what makes it great. So many different teams. Some of them are not even in the first division anymore.
Undoubtedly, a successful league at a continental stage.
Players Involved
Currently, the two players considered to be the in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, do not play in England. Although, the Premier League has high-quality players who play at the highest level. A few players who demonstrate excellence are Eden Hazard, Paul Pogba, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phillipe Coutinho.
Not only does the Premier League boast several high-profile players, but it also assigns them to a variety of teams.
Competitive Teams
Perhaps, the most important topic is the one that really adds to the Premier League’s cause. The England first division consists of 20 highly competitive teams that have performed at the highest level for more than two decades. This really makes it different from other leagues that, at best, only boast three or four top teams.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham are top six teams that are capable of competing at the highest level. Everton, Newcastle United, West Ham United, Southampton, and Stoke City, are the other six teams that can easily bother any team in the world, especially in a league competition.
There are no weak teams in the Premier League, as the 20th side can beat the number one at any moment. It has been seen that a lot, for example, Wolverhampton famous 1-0 win over Manchester United back in 2004, or Chelsea being beaten 2-1 at home by Sunderland three years ago. Though this could happen in any top league in the world, it does not happen as often as in England.
Everyone knows the Premier League as the most competitive league in the world, and it has been like this for several years.
Unmatched Financial Revenue
The increase in the money the Premier League has been evident in recent years. From TV rights to sponsorship, every team in the league earns a massive amount of money. It is very noticeable, especially in the transfer market where they can afford to buy players that other leagues cannot. This translates into better contract offers and salaries.
That is the reason why so many players want to play in England. The increased money attracts the interest of more top players who feel like their current salaries do not reflect their skills.
Global Reach
Additionally, the Premier League is the most visible soccer club in the world. Its global reach extends throughout Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It is literally seen in all over the world. This translates into the biggest fan base of all soccer leagues.
The most competitive, with the most variety of quality players, the most financially stable, the most seen all equals the best soccer league in the world.
Opinion by Gian Torres
Edited by Cathy Milne
Sources:
CNN: How the Premier League became a global playground
ESPN: How the Premier League has evolved in 25 years to become what it is today
BBC: The Premier League turns 25
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Ade Oshineye’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Leigh Haugh