Twobob wrote:But is the French League a scratch on the Prem?
Well considering how much talent has come from there over the years I'd at least say it's pretty good feeder league for Premier League (And Serie A+La Liga). If you look at how much likes of Benzema, Essien and co went it would seem most top clubs agree with that.
I would say that current pecking order in Europe would be:
Premier League and La Liga
Serie A
German Bundesleague and French League 1
Eredivisie
Portuguese Liga Sagres
Greek Super League
The game is little bit different in each league and it's debatable which leagues are closest to each other and which "lesser" leagues are best providers to top leagues. The advantage that French league has, if you look it at English point of view, is that the game is played in very high tempo and they prefer their players quick. That's why they seem to adapt fairly well to England as the pace of the game is what usually makes many Italian and fair few Dutch players struggle (at least at first) in England. Bundesleague's advantage is that the game is quite physical and the attitude of players in general are second to none. Dutch players tend to be very tactically aware and have very good skill level, that's why they tend to work very well in Italy and Spain.
Of course there are exceptions and there's no need to list them but that's the way I see the game.
On the topic, Taiwo has pace, strength, great left peg and is good at defending as well as attacking. Whoever takes him to England will have had a good player I'd say. Better than Bridge? I'd say so but we'll probably never know.