Tuesday, 19th November, 2013
The Premier League must make "big foreign superstar" signings the exception rather than the norm if they are to once again be the elite, according to former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel.
A Bayern Munich youth and senior player, Babbel enjoyed four years at Liverpool which also included a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers.
He ended his playing career with Stuttgart and is pleased with the impact the current youth of Germany are making both at home and abroad.
The Premier League is in contrast, according to Babbel, as their over-reliance on foreign talent means the Bundesliga is already ahead of them in the world tables.
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Babbel told the league's official website: "The Bundesliga has stolen a march on the Premier League.
"The reason for this is the philosophy of the German clubs who, to a great extent, put their faith in young, German players.
"The big foreign superstar should remain the exception. The fans find it easier to identify with youngsters from their own youth team.
"This is a fantastic philosophy which is considerably better than the Premier League's, and also increases the attractiveness."
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