₦airaland Forum

TheGoodJoe:
That is why it was key to the team.

Hierro referred to Makalele as the best player. He said, they all knew. That is those praised knew Makalele was the best.

Zidane tagged Makalele the engine.

The role is underrated but key. Just as how De Bruyne, Sane and Sterling will get rave of praises but behind them, Fernandinho has been the engine driving the team.

Just like Oliseh was not getting the praises like Kanu, Okocha, Ikpeba and co. without Oliseh, the team always had a big hole.

Of course it is important to have someone who bullies the he opposition and wrestle the ball from attackers. This role was usually left for the lesser technically gifted players.
Let us not paper over the cracks and say it like it is.

Napoleon55:
between IWOBI and MOSES SIMON,who starts against zambia?
@Icons,Goodjoe,Mickael2,Goldfish80,forgiveness,etc
for me i will go for IWOBI

I will prefer Simon at the right wing. Against Algeria in Uyo,a game which Iwobi started on the right flank, to say he was lost in that game would be a compliment.

ProfOrlando:
Super Eagles new kit vs Zambia. :\

I fancy this Jersey. To be quite honest, I think the green white green colour is very dull and boring for our skin colour.
Green white green no blend abeg.

Kog45:
What a nice write up,meaning Chelsea limited his ability as a player but still a Chelsea LEGEND despite d limitation.

I believe he was not properly managed by his agent Shittu. I have seen players sign contracts with the caveat they won't be demoted to the reserves, they won't be played out of position and so many other like clauses. Oxlade Chamberlain left Arsenal not because of playing time but because of position.

If his managers were really up and doing, they would have looked for solutions back in 2007 in his formative years, at the time it was clear he had no room playing further up the pitch for Chelsea. Maybe if he had been developed properly, he could have been in a position where nobody will doubt his world class or legendary status like Yaya Toure.

TheGoodJoe:
It took me time to appreciate Mikel’s role at Chelsea. I was guest and disappointed that Mikel was reduced to a player playing in an unrated position.

With time, I understood he was a key and important player playing that role. Just as people were ignorant to the importance of Makelele until players like Zidane, Hierro highlighted that he was the most important.

It was not a flashy light role but a role that deserves praise. As long as the managers and players respected Mikel for his sacrifice of personal glory to give the team glory, he got all the respect for me.

I finally was convinced, relieved and happy that the young player, John Mikel Obi who many predicted would become a great player really became great.

Just like Makelele, the Tabloids may not ring his name but history will remember the great contribution of the Mikel. This is the real truth.

Of course Zidane will be rattled when Makelele left. Durring the era of galacticos, they were notorious for not running or marking the ball. Everybody was Oga, nobody wants to do the dirty job for the other person. In such circumstance, why won't Zidane complain when Perez sold the only guy willing to do the dirty job for others (him)?

edi287:
You mean the same role the likes of Busquets, Alonso, Redondo, Kroos, Makalele played?? Personally I think he simply played as a CM/DM in the wrong team. I remember how well he played under Ancelotti. Imagine if he had that sort of manager for like 4 seasons straight

Some of those guys you mentioned are not DM's. Someone like Alonso is a registre, he played thrived when someone else does the dirty job (Vidal, Mascherano). Pirlo had Gattuso, Pogba, Vidal. Toni Kross is a CM
Now, let me ask, who does the dirty job for Mikel at Chelsea?

If you can't name a DM who have been listed top 3 in Ballon d'Or listing the it should indicate to you that the position is not where to you find theost technical players.

Let's not pretend like we don't know why most people don't see Mikel as a Chelsea legend. I am not saying they are right or wrong but some perspective will do everyone alot of good.

For me, it was pitiful to watch a highly talented player like Mikel reduced to a role of a water carrier. He played with a lot of handbrakes, couldn't venture forward to express himself, he basically lumbered around in his own half,marking out players and providing an extra man for his team to pass the ball to and retain possession.
Look, let's be honest, this role is reserved for technically limited players like Roy Keane, Didier Deschamps and Dickson Etuhu. Mikel was too good a player to be reduced to a lumbering quater back.

If he had played the sort of role he played for Chelsea at the U20 world cup, nobody would have listed him as the better players of the tournament. Why wasn't Sani Keita rated next to Messi in 2005?

We can pretend like we don't know these, I see alot of people on this thread prefer quasi truths. Mikel at Chelsea became an object of mockery when he scored a one off goal off a corner kick against PsG.
The reaction to that goal should indicate what people expected of Mikel at Chelsea.

Yes, he could be a Chelsea legend but he never fulfilled the potential his talent deserved at Chelsea. That is the gospel truth.

Icon4s:
Ladies and gentlemen.

I am personally not happy with happenings here.
This is a thread that I always visit to make myself happy and I am sure so does most others here.

It is true this thread was formed by a few number of us but it has grown to what it is today because everybody is always welcomed here.

On the recent feud between TheSuperNerd and Pietorico. Both of them were wrong. And we have exhausted all energies to condemn their actions.

However, I cannot stay in a house that is divided. I don't know Pietorico that much cos he is not much of a regular here but TheSuperNerd I know very well and he is like a son to me.

I suggest we set up a reconciliatory committee.

Elders of the house and every one else I need your take on this.

He is one of our illustrious sons here and not withstanding his short comings we still need him here. He is a great guy.

I need 1,2 or 3 persons to agree with me on this so we settle this issue once and for all.

This thread has grown beyond a social media
It is now like a family. A house divided cannot stand.
Who is with me on this?

cc: enomakos, Kog45, eterisan, TheGoodJoe, confun, Joseph1013, tbaba1234, Terzurum5, forgiveness, joebie, goldfish80, michael2, safarigirl, icon79, Bascovanveli, komekn, omanbala, Nigerdeltaboi, soetanoreoluwa. Pardon me if your moniker is missing.

I think this whole fiasco have been over stretched beyond reasonable proportion. I view this thread like a gentleman's lounge where people discuss football matters around the world from the stand point of the Super Eagles. Kickoff and Sl10 used to be like that till they packed up m
When Sl10 was about to go moribund, one of the regular guys there suggested a Nigerian football forum should be developed since the South African owned websites seemed to be shutting down on Nigerian football unfortunately his efforts with a certain blog wasn't fruitful.

Sorry I had to go down the memory lane abit but it was very necessary I did because if by an unnecessary over bloated ego, we kill this thread, we cannot blame the South Africans this time.

I support the peace move to mend fences but I must be honest and plain. TheSuperNerd needs to watch how he has a go at people. It was not necessary to start name calling and throwing bile at someone and except the opposite side to stand down.

I have been insulted a numerous times on this thread but I know how to handle such indiscretions.

Haven been part of a few E-wars myself from the early days of twitter (blackberry vs Snaptu users) to Kick-off, Sl10 and a few nairaland tribal battles with ethnocentric fellows like dayokanu, Desole, egg headers and the likes. E war is not a good thing. It consumes the body and soul of participants.

I support any reconciliation move at this point.

I don't know the character of the Pietorico *spelling but it appears he have moved on. I support every reconciliation move to bring thesupernerd back. This snafu isn't big enough to quit the thread.

I don talk my mind.

Kog45:
That's it,quite agreed with u,a new player must be better than d one on d ground.For example Ajiboye came in and displaced Alampasu,meaning Ezenwa and Akpeyi needs to sit tight.

Pls lets go down to memory lane to make things clearly to those who believe that a lot of players are still needed in this team.

The evolution of 1980 nations cup squad started in 1976 with player like an half caste Tunji Banjo,Adokiye Aimesemeaka,Henry Nwosu broke into d team to 1980 nations cup,d team lasted till 1982 with young Keshi,Humphery Edebor,Ademola Adeshina making d team.

Maroc 88 team started in 1984 but d team couldn't make it to afcon 86 eliminated by Zambia losing 1 nil at Lusaka and goaless draw in Lagos but d team came out strong later.This team can be compared to d present squad coz a German was engaged in d name of Manfred Horner who brought in few youngs and new players like Wole Odegbami, Ndubuisi Okosieme,Folorunsho Okenla,Andrew Uwe,Bunmi Adigun

I remember evolution of US94 squad by Westerhoff and i can say d building of that team started late 89 in a match against Cameroon in Yaoundé and d team moved from there to Algiers 90,Senegal 92,Tunisia 94,only two player broke into that team,namely Chidi Nwanu and Mike Emenalo to US 94,though Westerhoff had good 4 to 5 years.

The evolution of afcons 98,2000&2002 started partially at US 94 but fully at Atlanta 96 where we have bunch of Super Eagles players making d team,players like Uche Okechucwu,Emma Amuneke,Daniel Amokachie, Victor Ikpeba,Tijani Babangida and fringe Eagles prayers like Kanu Nwankwo,Celestine Babayaro,Taribo West,Garba Lawal.It must be noted that very few players broke into this team.

The new era of Super Eagles started at 2002 WC and it last till 2010 WC,this was a period we have different class of players coming into d team coz it cannot be compared to d evolutionary of their predecessors but notwithstanding we can mentioned d numbers of players that broke into d team toward 2010 WC.

The 2014 WC team started in 2012 after Eagles failed to qualify for afcon 2012,with superlatives performance in 2013 winning afcon but their evolution was misery coz Keshi couldn't keep d momentum by bringing in different class of players.2015 and 2017 we couldn't make afcon due to a lot of factors.

Now on d verge of making WC with Rohr in charge,if we look at this team,we just need to give credit to Rohr for able to raise a very good team in a short period,no coach has ever done this with Super Eagles.At least we can say this is our XI for a very long time, praying that d evolution of this team extended to 2022 WC.

Presently we are having a team we can back on,hoping nothing happens towards their qualifications to Russia.I reiterate it that 75% of this squad w make it to Russia.

CC:icon4s
CC:enemakos
CC:goldfish80
CC:Jobie

A well articulated read indeed. No serious team goes to the world cup with a raft of new players. We made that mistake in 2002 and nearly lost 3 games at a spin.
Barring injuries and serious loss of form, the nucleus of this team is world cup bound. If we must do well in Russia, a lot of strategic and progressive planning needs to be in place.

I would suggest the Nff invests massively in having a world class back room staff for the Eagles.

The services of a world class dietitian, Physio, video analysts, team psychologist must be engaged. I will like an American physio and IT specialist. I think they are the best in the buisness.
If we can upgrade our backroom, I see us pulling up trees in Russia.

bigblangston:
Lol... Dr. Chriskels still remembered that feud. when he called me a low life riff raff, I wanted to tell him who I really was but I thought within me "who my introduction go epp". I can remember vividly from his rebuttal that he said I call mickael2 as Dr. Mikael2 and others too but I don't reckon him as such, then I discovered he felt hurt by me not recognizing him as such. I know icon4s to be a geologist, I have followed his moniker for long but he doesn't know and I called him a doctor in one of my interactions with him but he tacitly evaded the title telling me he is not one then but very soon he will be, that's what I call humility and it was one of the things I remembered that I refrained from telling him who I was. Even komekn still keeps his identity(I'm about to unmask him) and we still respect him and other notable monikers here. I have been monitoring safarigirl's post since 2013 where I was privileged to know that she was a law student in uniabuja but she doesn't come here to show it in our faces.

Let's just sweep all what might have happened under the rug and let's move on. Thesupernerd is a great guy, I am sure he has learned some important things from what has happened.

Please don't unmask anybody. It is very unnecessary. The hidden identity adds a much needed mystery to the thread.
Trust me a few people here figured who Komekn is from his first posts on the thread. Put a lid on it.

Kog45:
Better between d duo,nothing to say coz both are very averaged.I don't even know whom to pick.Hope we resolves this goalkeeping crisis before World Cup.

I watched Nigeria match against Guinea in this just concluded wafu cup and i discovered a lot of things regarding our local coaches and now agreed with a lot who always castigate them,in that match it was too obvious that Dele Ajiboye is better than Ezenwa meaning we might have better keepers better than d duo.

Look at d outfield players,for God sake old Rabiu Ali anchor Nigeria midfield,not condemning d guy but something is fishing,d same thing Aremu,this two guys find it so difficult to make passes and it was hell for Okpotu.

Initially i rate Eze highly but injury to Adeleye exposed him, still has a lot to learn,it was obvious that Adeleye do most of d dirty jobs in d defence and moment he left d pitch,our defence was exposed.

Nothing to say on Okoro and Akas,goldfish 80 just need to tell me why he rated Okoro highly.I watched d guy keenly and i w say he had good games in group stage but Benin,Ghana match showed that he lacks it.

Generally,this team should not be d best from local leagues and with what i see so far Salisu Yusuf and co need to put sentiments apart and give us d best,CHAN is around and this team not a CHAN team.

It's unfortunate I have to say this but I don't regard Wafu championship. Wafu us one of the most disorganised association in the world. There was a time they had 2 presidents. The mantra of the tournament have been hosting to win. Its likethe trophy is a compensation to any country who elects to host the championship. Its a far cry from what is obtainable in COSAFA and CECAFA.
When you consider you have Africa power houses in this region like Ivory coast,Senegal, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria one will expects a better and more exciting tournament but.....


Coming to Okoro, yes I rate him highly. No doubt he is a very good player. Remember some days back when he scored from the free kick, how much praise he got from people on this thread, even you. That is one of those qualities he has. If he had an off game (according to various comments, I didn't watch), then it was an off day. It doesn't remove anything from his ability or talent.

Shehu has a shocker against South Africa but look at how he bounced back against Cameroon. These things happen in football. It becomes sad if people judge home based players differently than they judge others abroad.

Our mindset (speaking about Nigerians in general) have contributed to poor standard of our league. Players have it at the back of their mind they need to move abroad at all cost so they can be recognised and probably make some money.

It may interest you to know that no NPFL Club have the full right of their players. 95% of players in the NPFL are on loan to the clubs with no commitment to these teams. Do you know why? Because they don't want to be bound by these clubs incase a foreign offer came up in the middle of the season.

Without a good league trust me, we cannot win the World Cup. Even if Tammy Abraham, Solanke and the rest of them play for Nigeria, they won't win the World Cup. You cannot build something on top of nothing.

Check the list of world cup winning countries and see if you can find one without a solid league.

Mickael2:
those things are not stadiums, they are FIFA goal projects, artificial turfs that are not fit for tournaments

Zambia actually have very beautiful looking stadium built by the Chinese. The edifice is one of the best in Africa. However, I can't say much about other Stadia they have apart from the one in Ndola.
We only have one Stadium in Nigeria as far as I'm concerned.

Kog45:
Yes Super Eagles made Ekong.I remember Oshaniwa case,thegoodjoe said some player need national team to grow or to boost their career while some don't need it,watching Olympics and compared with what he offer now,SE is a blessings to Ekong.

Even Ekong is not yet the finished product. He still have a long way to go. He is lacking in some areas which could be exposed by more detailed opponents.

Kog45:
[font=Lucida Sans Unicode][/font]My man u try o with d names u rolled out especially Ikechuckwu ofoje,hope u still remember Ifeanyi onyedika,Monday Eguavoen a senior bro to Austin,Augustine Igbinabairo,Osaro Obabaifo,Ndubuisi Okosieme senior bro to Nkiru of falcon fame,Taju Dusu junior bro to Tunde Dish,Waheed Akannni,Akinlotans brothers,Niyi Aderinoku(obodo) now a multi millionaire in oil and gas biz.This was d periods school boys played d league and it was fun,most find their way to US on scholarships.

You're so on point. Most of these guys left for the US on scholarship programmes. The league back then was semi professional. Players moved from various clubs with little or no documentation. I listened to John Mastroudes the other day talk about how he poached Abiola babes captain Ekpo. Players basically moved between clubs by mere word of the mouth and promise of a 2 bedroom flat.
Forgiveness know very little of what he's talking about.

forgiveness:
Sorry for late reply. Very busy and phone problem.

From 70s to early 90s the league was better.

When was the English premier league first televised?

How many European leagues were televised in the 80s?

How many European leagues had sponsorship in the 80s?

How much were the winners of those European leagues paid?

What we called Pro league back in the 70's and 80's was nothing more than semi professional league where students played for league clubs. That was the reason why so many players of that era left Nigeria to go study in America. People like Okey Isima, Ofoje, Patrick Ekeji, Kenneth Boardman etc....

They hardly payed these guys then. They played for the love of the game and the fame that came with it. I know some of these ex players in person. Someone like Stanley Okoronkwo is actually like family. I can beat my chest and say you know little of what you're talking about.

forgiveness:
That was decades ago, but now Npfl na comedy if you have been following since 80s.

What happened in the 80's? Was the league televised live on tv? What was the enumeration like? How about sponsorship? How much did the winners of the league take home?
You just want a banter.

Danielnino00:
I agree a bit with Baba Ilori (forgiveness) on his assessment of the NPFL...
No sentiments here the NPFL is becoming a huge joke.. Its hard to believe that this league of our was once the best in Africa that produced the likes of Kanu Okocha Yekinki Findi George Taribo West..etc...

The new management of the LMC ate really trying but the bigger problem lies with the club management.. In this new age majority of clubs in the NPFL are still owned by ghr government.. There's always issue of delay in payment of salary,match fixing,hooliganism and no transparency in transfer activities..

Unless we wake up and restructure the league we will keep losing out going talents to foreign clubs and it will eventually affect the nation team....


#My2Cent

There was never a time the Nigerian league was the best in Africa. In the 80's and early 90's the Nigerian league was something like a semi professional league.

tbaba1234:
Let's be honest. The NPFL standard is poor. Yes, it produced talents, that does not take away from the problems of the league.

Is the NPFl the best platform for a talented player to reach his potential? With some hard work, some players from the league achieve success abroad.

Even if you consider the league poor, it doesn't give any body the right to reduce the league to the lowest possible decimal like he has done.
All titles we pride ourselves with in football, have been won by the the products of this same league. That alone deserves to be respected.

forgiveness:
Bros, the Nigerian league is a joke compared to other African leagues.

The African Champions league quarter finals were played some few days ago, e bi like say I dey watch European league. Very entertaining and impressive.

Until, all clubs are taken away from the government by private investors, we go still dey produce mediocre players.

Most of our young players avoid the league like plague in other to get a good club abroad else the club will not near you once they know you have made the bench in the local league.

*cough* Lavia no bi am na.

I will rather go for Kingsley Madu instead or Taye Taiwo.

You insult the league that produced Kanu, Jay Jay Okocha,Taribo West, Yobo, Peter Rufai, Yekini, Emealo to name a few.
How dare you?!

Joebie:
Troost Ekong ties for best pass success rate for players who played the entire encounter

He really needs to work on his passing game.
Looks like he's doing just that.

TheSuperNerd:
Looollll..... The team really shocked me getting to this final to be honest.... I think a fine mix of the 2015 class and the very best from this 2017 class will make an awesome Earthquake of a team.

Well for a team that was assembled just 2weeks to the championship with zero warm-up games, a final appearance isn't bad at all.
I understand Tunisia camped in Europe and played warm up games against France, Lithuania and about 4 other top basketball teams.
The end justifies the means. Tunisia won this on merit.
Congratulations to them.

TheSuperNerd:
Tunisia 49-36 Nigeria
Started strongly but now chennoufi and Haddidane just killing us....

I give up.

I'm not watching the game but I can feel the tension as I type. We need guys with nerves of steel to turn up for this one.
Come on D'tiger! Show them the power of Naija.

Congratulations to D'tigers
The team appears to be punching over their weight, long may that continue.

TheSuperNerd:
Chaaaiiiiii.... Safarigirl.... West Vs North final abi....

Thank God say West na Us ooooooo.... Hahahahahahahahaha.....

Kai! Thank goodness. I almost had a heart attack.
Getting to the finals with a different team after 2 years tell alot about the strength in depth we have in our locker to atleast be ahead in African basketball.

Holders vs Hosts for the finals... Hmm

oloriooko:
FIBA Q4: Ngr 57 Sen45

Wow! Its been a low scoring game. Hopefully our defence holds up.

TheSuperNerd:
Bobby Adekanye Debuts For Liverpool In 4-0 Demolition Of Sevilla In UYL

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/football_pics/93232Bobby.png


Nigerian-born winger Bobby Adekanye made his debut for Liverpool in the UEFA Youth League in their 4-0 demolition of Sevilla on Wednesday.

The Netherlands youth-teamer entered into the fray in the 60th minute for his maiden appearance in the prestigious youth competition.

Curtis Jones put the home side in front in the 23rd minute, before Herbie Kane doubled the advantage when he profited from a goal mouth scramble and it was 3-0 before the break courtesy of Jones' second of the evening.

Masterson wrapped up the victory in the 66th minute by producing a fine finish after controlling a free-kick from Woodburn.

Wednesday's clash against the Spaniards was Adekanye's second competitive appearance for the Reds across all levels since the season started, and he received a caution in the 83rd minute.

After the opening round of matches, Steven Gerrard's team top the group thanks to their superior goal difference over Maribor, who beat Spartak Moscow 1-0.


**Igho Kingsley

Source: http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=24624

How good exactly is this boy? He has been in the news for more than 4 years playing youth football.
Who have watched him play?

tbaba1234:
In terms of marketability, i think the championship is better. You get better exposure. If you are not in a champions league team in Turkey, you will hardly be noticed. Omeruo could not get even a mediocre championship side to bid for him.

Turkish league is higher in quality.

My point have been the quality of the leagues. Championship has nothing on the Turkish league.

I will rather watch Trabzonspur play Besiktas than Rotherham vs Cardiff.

komekn:
Kayode has been bought by Manchester city but is he playing for City will he ever play for city Clubs like city buy many players who never play for them.

Podolski was already established in the German national team and in Europe when he lost his position at Arsenal decided to follow the ££££ and go to Turkey.

Santos left to Turkey from Brazilian side Corinthians with great prospects was the highest goal scoring left back in Turkey came to Arsenal as a fill in played only 23 league games in two seasons , that is literally a reserve player. He was sold oof as not being good enough.

The Turkish fans are crazeee the atmosphere is nuclear explosive i agree 100%, they are obsessional about their teams, simply Fantastic. The football, however, is not on the same level as its support. The very reason why the league can generate so much money, huge crowds and obsessive fans with money to spend. It is certainly not the quality of the football.

Burak Yilmaz hmmm I can assure you that you are exaggerating it beyond measure to the point of delusion. HE WAS NEVER THE HOTTEST PROSPECT IN EUROPE His career goals in Turkey are 82 goals from 141 games and in the 2011/12 season he scored 35 from 43 games. This is gross misrepresentation comparing him to Ronaldo to put it lightly. He may have been the Turkish poster boy and wonder kid but that's where it began and ended.

Money does not determine outright quality it can enhance it but not create it.

You omitted to answer my question;

I'll put it this way, a striker who scores 20 goals ➕ in the championship and one who scores the same in the Turkish first division. Who do you think will generate more interest in the Premiership and the Bundesliga

If only you had narrowed the comparism to specific season you would have discovered that Burak Yilmaz at the time scored 33 goals in 34 games. He also bossed the Champions league with 8 goals in 6 group matches, emerging the top scorer at the time.
Yes he scored more goals than Ronaldo.

His eight goals in the Champions League brought Yilmaz to the attention of many top clubs, and Spurs would face competition from Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-transfer-news-burak-yilmaz-2006270

If his exploits were negligible Spurs, Athletico Madrid, Lazio, Fiorentina wouldn't have gunned for him. I can't recall a striker in the Championship attracting such interests from European clubs like that.

When our own Emenike emerged from Turkey, there was a long list of clubs across Europe who went in hard for him. Even when his form wanned, he still signed up on loan to West ham.

Last season I watched a few Championship games and to be honest the quality was poor. The usual stereotype English kicked and rush football held sway.

komekn:
First issue is money the Turkish league pays more and probably has much more money in addition the Lure of Champions league.

In reality the intensity, raw physicality and speed could be a lot to handle if you are looking to have an easy life or take it easy in the twilight of your career.

Two different types of football, playing a season or two
in Turkey and you can loose your competitive edge. It's just a much slower build up and far less intensity you can cover lack of speed and stamina with technical ability. I do recall speaking to a Nigerian international who came back to England and he struggled to capture previous form as a result.

The EPL preferences, particularly outside of the top 6 teams, a different set of attributes to succeed.

I'll put it this way a striker who scores 20 goals ➕ in the championship and one who scores the same in the Turkish first division. Who do you think will generate more interest in the Premiership and the Bundesliga

You seem to have forgotten that money is the name of the game. Where the money is, that's where the top players move to. If we subtract £$€ from the Premiership, you think it will generate the kind of interest like presently witnessed?

If like you have said, Turkey presents more money on the table for players, why then will you compare the league with the championship which offers considerable lesser money to players?

About the quality of play, speaking from what I have seen over the years, the atmosphere in Turkish stadia is unrivaled anywhere in the world.

Read this interview by Chamberlain.

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/501606/Intimidation-costs-Besiktas-boss-Slaven-Bilic-place-on-Arsenal-touchline

Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Opened: 1908
Fenerbahçe S.K. have one of the best home stadiums in the world.
Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium is an incredible place, and it has a wonderful atmosphere. In Turkey, the stadium doesn't get the highest-profile games, but the matches are still incredibly intense.
Fans love football in Turkey, and they are extremely passionate for every single match. When you walk onto the pitch in front of 50,000 screaming people, you are going to be intimidated.
Fans are pretty close to the pitch, making the environment even more hostile. The arena is great, and it is one of the most intimidating places in the world.

©bleachers

I vehemently disagree that the league in Turkey is lacking in competitive edge. If only you know how heated games involving the Istanbul teams are.

At the last Euros, the champions paraded players playing in Turkey. Podolski still played for Germany while at Galatasary. If the football there is as poor as you think, these athletes won't be playing for these top nations.


I recall this player named Burak Yilmaz, he was the most talked about player in Europe back in 2012 when he played for Galatasary (I think). He became the top scorer in the champions group stages, even topping Ronaldo. That year he scored close to 40 goals in 30 something games.
My brother clubs where falling over themselves to get this guy after that season. This is not hearsay, what I'm saying is verifiable. I don't know why he choose to remain in Turkey (probably they upped his wage at Galatasary)
Andre Santos walked straight from Besiktas to the Arsenal/ Brazilian first team.

Off the top of my head I can recall these names. If I research further I'm sure to find other examples.

If the Austrian top goalscorer can move to Manchester City why can't a Fenerbache striker move to a club of equal strength to Man city?

komekn:
Liverpool put in a bid for £9 million and he refused politely a few years ago.

I am concentrating on black players showing my bias unfortunately.

CIV central defender Bamba plays for Cardiff.

Players go to Turkey in the twilight of thier careers not for football but money. The tax regime is very favourable I'm talking 7% in some cases. The football is not so intensive so you can extend your career, less injury, etc

Barkley went to Leeds from Everton but was sent back as not being good enough. A few months later he's playing for England and the toast of the EPL.

Nasri is not a current international.

But if you want to talk about past internationals we can.

John Terry at Villa, Agbonlahor, past present Jonathan Kodjia CIV.

Lol.. You know you're scrapping down the barrel when you mention Agbonlahor as a proper ex international.
In my earlier quote, I clearly stated that you can only find African, Scottish,Welsh, Irish internationals in the Championship. Kodija, Bamba are Africans while John Terry is English.

The gospel truth is that the championship is too small for guys like Van persie, Sneijder, Pepe, Nani, Podolski, Quaresma , Bruno Alves, Nasri etc to strut their stuff.

Nasri had a great season with Sevilla last season. If not for his problems with the French FA, he should still be in the mix in the French set up.

You can't deny the draw of the Turkish league for established players. It is even muted that Ozil could be playing in Turkey next season.

I am not saying that Turkish league is the best in the world but comparison with Championship is way off the mark if we want to be honest.

komekn:
The EPL is a truly top international league much to the disadvantage of England. Some of the best players in the world play in the premiership. On occasion there are some clubs that have a token English representation in thier teams. This is very reflective of the top 6 in the premiership. There are more foreign players in top half of the premiership than English players. Hence limited opportunities for English players.

Nonetheless, I disagree with you completely. He is doing OK at Huddersfield which is not a big team they ate essentially hitting above thier weight.

Charlie Austin has just lost form playing for QPR he did cut it in the premiership.

With the hype around Ince at the time, I expected he would have been playing for at least Liverpool or Everton.
Even Jordan Ibe at Derby County was so terrific that Liverpool recalled him from the loan spell. The cream haven't risen to the top since then.

The transition from the championship to the Premiership is well below 20% success rate.

Even the Turkish league you rate below Championship can boost of having international players. Samir Nasri, Pepe are some examples of international players in Turkey.

I will struggle to name any international player in the Championship outside a few Scottish, Irish,Welsh and some Africans.

Do you honestly think the English championship can attract the likes of Pepe, Nani and Nasri?