Which Big Names Couldn’t Cut It in the Prem?

By: Rob | October 15th, 2009

Thank God that’s over. I’m glad England have already qualified for the World Cup and all – espeically after the Umbrella debacle – but not having to get a last minute goal against Greece, or a draw in Rome made this last round of matches even less interesting than usual.

But one thing that did cross my mind, are the players who were big names before they came over here, and then failed to do the business in the Premier League. Or did the business and looked world class as soon as they left the country. The Shevchenkos, Forlans and Verons of this world.

And then I carried on thinking, and tried to think of some players who might not cut it in the Premier League if they came over here.

My first thought was Ibrahimovic. Now Ibra divides people, but I’m someone who is a big fan of his. For a casual Serie A fan over the last few years, he’s basically been the only reason to watch Inter. He’s been accused of being a “YouTube footballer” (ie Someone who is only worth watching in a 10 minute skills clip) but I don’t think that’s very fair. He’s got extraordinary talent, and changes games.

But the fact that he has not yet done it in the Champions League (at least, not in the crunch knockout stages) suggests he’s a bit lightweight. Barcelona certainly didn’t think so, and he’s made a super start over there.

The easiest comparison to make with Ibra, is perhaps Berbatov – a player who I once described as the New Veron incidentally – he’s obviously got the skills, but the attitude and work eithic is entirely questionable.

Berba made it in the Prem with Spurs though, lest we forget, though he’s arguably not really cut it at Man United yet. So maybe Ibra could make it, in the right side.

So who else? Sergio Ramos? The Real right back has lots of quality going forward, but tracking back is questionable. Mind you, the same could be said about Glen Johnson. And he’s doing alright for himself. Sort of.

Ronaldinho? Not Dhino now, who is struggling to do it in Serie A, after struggling to do it in La Liga after being amazing in La Liga, but I mean, peak era Ronaldinho. 2005 R10.

Before he went to Catalonia there was talk that Man United were going to buy him. (Before that he nearly ended up in Scotland). And certainly Chelsea were linked to him constantly for absolutely ages. Now again, I’m a big fan of Ronaldinho, and many times have I lamented his lack of greatness these days.

But even in his goofy-prime, could he have done it in the Premier League? Would the faster pace have slowed him up? Would he have been able to raise his game week in week out. I like to think he could have done it – and he certainly did it against England, and against Chelsea, so there is the suggestion that perhaps he really would have been an awesome prospect for United. Or Chelsea. Or St Mirren.

Who do you think might not do the business if you ever touched down on these shores?