Does anyone else think that the term "world class" gets banded about a bit too much these days, what defines world class trophies, ability, personality??

Of course some players are world class eg cruyff, beckenbaur, zidane, but who form chelseas past or present would fit the bill as being world class??

For me i think lampard has always been world class same for carvalho, they both have great vision for the positions they paly also cech was/is world class but really needs to get his confidence back. Obviously older palyers such as zola, dixon et all were all world class, just thought id open a bit of friendly debate, enjoy!!!!

World class means players who could hold their own amongst the very best in the world, or at least merit serious consideration for a world XI.

Dixon would never ever have warranted that description. I think Zola did, as did Gullit and Desailly at their peak. Terry, Drogba and Ashley Cole have proved themselves as good as anyone in their position over a number of years, so they'd qualify in my book.

At his best Ballack might have been world class but not in his time with us. Ditto Sheva.

RC, Lamps and Cech would be more controversial selections in non-Chelsea fans' eyes, but they've all been considered amongst the best in the world in their positions in the pasyt few years.

Essien rates a mention as he's generally felt to be one of the best all-round players in the world, but I actually feel he's got more to do to reach that status.

These players are, or have been world class in recent years:

Cech

Terry

Carvalho

A. Cole

Essien

Lampard

Drogba

+ ballack

even i hate him

he always perform in big event's like world cup / euro cup / champions league / bundseliga sometimes premierleague /

i thing the worldcass player is when you different from other players and keep good form over 2 or 3 years

Edited March 26, 201016 yr by valim

I don't think Ballack has been world class since he's been at Chelsea, so I didn't include him.

He had one good run of games, but not enough to classify him as a world class Chelsea player in my opinion.

3 words...

john obi mikel

3 words...

Tore. Andre. Flo. :D

Tit us Bramble

Robert Fleck :D

i was being serious lol

3 words...

john obi mikel

Yep, they're three words alright.

However, they appear to be in the wrong thread.

3 words...

john obi mikel

World Class!! If thats the case why does he struggle to make it to the starting 11 when Essien is fit ?

World class means you can adapt and be a very good player in whichever league you find yourself in.

Surely defining world class begins being a top player within your international side. The top players within an international team would sum up world class to me.

(Depending on the manager playing the best players from that country of course)

Yeah international level is a must!

But I also think if you can't perform at a high standard in a few different leagues around the globe, such as English, Italian, Spanish, German, you can't be classed as world class really.

Edited March 26, 201016 yr by Zola

Able to do good wherever you may play - England, Spain, Italy or Germany.

Be an important player in your international team, be consistant and obviously have won some big trophies.

Franky Lampard is one example of a World Class player.

Edited March 26, 201016 yr by AndyCFC

World class means players who could hold their own amongst the very best in the world, or at least merit serious consideration for a world XI.

Dixon would never ever have warranted that description. I think Zola did, as did Gullit and Desailly at their peak. Terry, Drogba and Ashley Cole have proved themselves as good as anyone in their position over a number of years, so they'd qualify in my book.

At his best Ballack might have been world class but not in his time with us. Ditto Sheva.

RC, Lamps and Cech would be more controversial selections in non-Chelsea fans' eyes, but they've all been considered amongst the best in the world in their positions in the pasyt few years.

Essien rates a mention as he's generally felt to be one of the best all-round players in the world, but I actually feel he's got more to do to reach that status.

great reply you sumed it up nicely , agree with your Chelsea assesments too, can i add when a player is called world class he must hold on to that level at his peak do you know what i mean?

Good to see so many replies ;) apart form the mikel debacle i doubt he will ever be world class even though i would be glad to eat my hat if he does , and yes a believe essien has sa lot more to prove/show but he just need sto be injury free for a season or two

As mentioned earlier surely means that you would get into a world XI.

penidng on the pundit it means you either play for Man U or Pool, no matter your ability

I suppose you can add Barca to that list

So what defines a world class manager? Obviously trophies come into it but do you have to take style of football into account. Also what if you have a manager doing a brilliant job at a small club but he never wants to leave so doesn't try his hand at a major club or at international level.

Definition of "world class"?

Steed Malbranque

While we're on it, wasn't Jody Morris world-class for about 5 minutes during the 98-99 season? Can't remember the match though

Would Zola have been considered world-class?

Edited March 30, 201016 yr by Oblivion

Zola, without a bar stewards doubt, was world class.

World class is being as good or better as any other player in the world in your designated position.