As Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all stood proudly, posing in the World Team of the Year, the presence of a Premier League player was again notable by its absence. For the third time in four years, not a single player from England’s top flight has made the grade required to stand with the world’s elite.

What exactly appears to be the issue?

This season specifically, it is perhaps something of a dichotomy. On one hand, it could be argued that the standard of the Premier League has dropped. However, it could equally be suggested that the standard across Europe is not as competitive as in the English division.

Most of Europe’s top leagues are dominated by arguably two or three sides. Spain have Real Madrid, Athletico Madrid and Barcelona; Bayern Munich are dominating Germany with Borussia Dortmund the nearest challengers; Paris Saint Germain and Monaco are the leaders in France. As for England, that is a completely different matter.

While Chelsea and Manchester City are generally considered the front-runners within the Premier League, the 2013/14 season has seen the rise of Arsenal and Liverpool to the fore. Meanwhile, just behind sit Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and the reigning Champions, Manchester United. These are all clubs that you would consider have the capabilities to beat one another. Does the rest of Europe have the same level of competitiveness? Judging by the league tables across the continent, the answer appears a resounding no.

No one would suggest that England doesn’t play host to some world-class players. Mesut Özil, Luis Suarez, Yaya Toure and Robin van Persie are all players who undoubtedly ooze class. However, when even traditionally one-sided fixtures require teamwork and cohesion beyond the majority of European matches, it seems as if there is less room for players to stand out and command the praise so often associated with Messi et al.

The fight and heart so often associated with English football is both what makes and hinders the Premiership’s best from wider recognition on the world stage. No one would argue that Ribery is a joy to watch but perhaps, sometimes it’s players like Aaron Ramsey and Steven Gerrard that are more interesting. 

With Cristiano Ronaldo rightly being crowned the Ballon d’Or after his staggering 69 goals in 59 appearances in 2013, it is perhaps telling that the Portuguese striker has experienced both the hustle and bustle of English football and the freedom that La Liga brings.

Regardless of his manager or his surroundings, it remains in little doubt that without his Premier League apprenticeship, Ronaldo would not be the player that he has become today.