article_snippet: The intensity of English football used to be considered an advantage with improved fitness and hardened minds.
article_snippet: In fact, footballers have never had it quite so good.
article_snippet: At the top of the Premier League footballers have the best money can buy in terms of physical care from the moment footballers step into the academy building.
article_snippet: But tell footballers footballers are tired and footballers might feel tired.
article_snippet: The competitive tempo which gives English football English appeal will never nurture a player like Andrea Pirlo, and yet all-action midfielders thrive in the domestic game, living on mistakes which rarely occur against the best European teams.
article_snippet: And yes, it would be nice if English players could pass the ball, and clubs should invest in youth development until English players can.