I think Baggio has a point but i also think he has exaggerated it a wee bit. As many have pointed out the game has evolved. Pro players now must take care of their bodies like true athletes. And because of that the tempo of the game has increased alot as the players are able to run more and faster.

It's because of this physical demand that the general skill level of a professional has dropped. When players who can't even pass a simple 20 yard ball but is playing at a high level due to his physical abilities is proof of that. And I'm sure that there are many technically gifted players who couldn't make it because they lack the stamina or the pace to keep up.

However I believe that the skills are all still there and will always be there. There's just this extra demand from a physical standpoint. But the best players were always those that excelled in both attributes even back in those days i feel.

This post has been edited by verx: Apr 2 2008, 12:40 PM

Thierry Henry without pace is half the player he is. Nothing against the player or Arsenal but that's just what i think. His technique isn't anything to shout about imo. He's struggled so far in the Spanish league because due to Barca's system he isn't able to exploit his pace.