The Debate: Is Ashley Young a world-class winger?

Martin O'Neill, the Aston Villa manager, described Ashley Young as "an incredible footballer" after the 23-year-old scored twice in a pulsating 3-2 victory over Everton at Goodison Park yesterday.

"I know I am eulogising, but he's a world-class footballer," O'Neill enthused. "He's absolutely sensational. He's incredible. He has the ability to produce in the big games and I'm ecstatic."

Before you make a grab for the sick bag, we want your opinion on the former Watford winger. Is he a world beater? Can he become a vital component in Fabio Capello's England team?

Or is his manager just a little bit too excited after winning a match late in stoppage time?

Have your say on Ashley Young's world-class credentials.

Comments

[Will]

To say that Young lacks technique as someone has posted is utter nonsense. He is one of the more technical players in the league; an excellent dribbler, and, he can cross with both feet better than anyone save Ronaldo and Nani - two supremely technical players. He was 2nd in assists last year only to Fabregas,a nd his finishing is really coming on (i.e last goal against everton) Is he World Class? No, not just yet. As a Villa fan i have thought that he occasionally gets a little nervous in the games against teams Man United, or Chelsea, but, unlike say Downing, even when that happens Ashley Young will still do something that may well lead to a goal. He is a class act. Walcott and Young on opposite wings for England looks very tasty.

[Laurence]

Simply outstanding to see a player develop so dramatically under the stewardship of such a talented British manager. Much credit must go to O Neil for the ability to praise and build a players profile when the time is right.

[jim]

It seems that alot of people think he's good but hasn't had a chance on a big enough stage (ie. internattional tornaments, champions league) to prove he's world class. The elephant in the room then is why no England manager has consistantly capped him. Capello had a look early on and dropped him, he's had another and we'll see. Yet you wonder why he put the likes of 19 year old u21 player walcott ahead of him, or downing, Bentley and SWP for so long for that matter. If we trust Capello's judgement (and I think most do after results this term) then the question really is if we think A.Young is world class doesn't that make all those who've played ahead of him world class also, and if so do we really think that England has a wealth of about 5 world class wingers?

[Paul Bergin]

There's no definition of what "world-class" is so it's hard to argue as everyone against people in this situation. Everyone has their own interpretation so I'd be interested to see what Martin's is.

That said, the issue of whether a player is to be considered as world class is usually held for players of higher regard, and quality, than Young. By English league standards maybe he is top dog. Then again his main attribute, pace, is much more highly appreciated on these isles than elsewhere. In Spain or Italy his technical ability, or lack thereof might be admonished.

People should say what 'world-class' means to them before answering yes or no because in my books world class means he would start for any team in the world, or at the very least would be a major success in other leagues to which I would have to say no.

[J.D.]

He's not world class quite yet. Until we see him perform on the world stage under larger pressure we can't be sure. He certainly does have the potential, hopefully Capello can put him to good use in the future.

[Marty Price]

Basically I am an Arsenal fan, but I really like how O'Neil gets those boys up to play. I am here in fab Cali and I really have admired the way Young plays, oh I hated that they beat the Gunners, but I really like the way Young and Agbonlahor hookup. It is good for the team that they kept Barry, but I really feel that YOung has as much control then Mike Owen and better speed. As an opposing fan his passes strike fear into you, and he is a fight and heart.

[Will Bennett]

Potentially world class definitely. I remember laughing at O'Neill when he signed Young saying he was the next Ronaldo. He is not quite there yet, but I think he has moved ahead of Wright Phillips and Lennon in selection terms for the first team, and he can play on the left as an out and out winger, and takes a good free kick. Only Joe Cole would keep him out on the left now. Enough said?

[Faisal Hussain]

depends how you define world class the best 11 players in the world in a 442 formation? anyway ashley young is still trhe best english winger right now, who else is there? Joe cole, theo walcott, david beckham!, downing, lennon yep that's what i thought nobody is better than ashley young and if he played at one of the top four clubs and he can i'm a manu td fan and he would be ahead of park,giggs and nani. pennant, benayoun and babel or even malouda and joe cole. so he is a VERY good footballer and should be given a lengthy run in the england side

[Gunson3000]

AQQE how can you say Young lacks passing skills and close control??, its those very attributes that have put him on the international radar. Have you ever watched a Villa game?, i would be brave enough to say he is one of the few Englishman who as a winger can beat 2-3 men and hit a pinpoint cross, off both feet. Alongside Milner we have two of the best young wingers in the country. Saying that though he cannot as yet be labelled a world-class winger as he is yet to establish himself at a "world" level, which is a solid spot in the england team/squad, where after he gets an oppurtunity to put it in a number of excellent performances he WILL then be called world-class. If it were down to me I would have Young in the team over Beckham any day, if Beckham is heralded for his dead ball skills, Young isnt far behind, Crouch would be having field days, with Young not only being able to get into numerous postions Beckham cannot, because of Beckhams' lack of speed and failure to beat a man, but also being able to hit the killer cross. Oh and did i forget to mention he scores goals.

[JC]

Ashley Cole is World Class?

where have i been?

[Timmy]

Remember this guy is young! He is one one the best players in the league, but not world class yet. If he stays humble and don't let big clubs and the media mess with his head he will become a world class player.

[Chris W]

As I'm a Watford fan and an Ashley Young HUGE fan, of course he's world class!! I'm just so pleased that he's made the grade.

[Chris Connolly]

As a Villa season ticket holder who has enjoyed watching his progress I have to say he is not world class yet but will be!

He is already marked out by opposition defences as our danger man and yet is still able to regularly create chances for team mates.

He is far and away the best crosser of a ball in the Premier League and only Arteta comes close for pinpoint set piece delivery!

His decision making is improving all the time and it can only be a matter of time before Capello gives him 90 minutes on the left hand side and he will show the country his talents!

[Dale Butler]

He is a world class player but, for England he should be used as an impact substitute rather than the terrible 5 minute cameos Capello keeps giving him, hes better than that.

[Rob]

Whilst watching him at Watford i always thought he would go on to represent England and i am amazed the Capello plays Downing instead of Young (Downing did play very well against Germany, IMO his only good performance in an England shirt).

I honestly think that he will be a World Class player in the future maybe another 2 years and you will see him go to a really big club who compete for European honours every year! He isnt as good as Joe Cole yet but he isnt far from it... hes better than Lennon, Walcott and Downing.

At the moment he is probably one of the best wingers in the division obvioulsy not as good as Ronaldo and probably never will be but def better than Nani!

Good luck Young and Villa!

[A Brightwell]

Is he as good as Giggs, Ronaldo or Messi? No. Will he be? Probably not. Is he the best English prospect? yes.

For England either his pace and on the ball ability would complement the likes of Rooney, Gerrard, Lampard who need space to attack; or his natural desire to come in from the left could hinder/congest the midfield making it harder for the others.

I do like him though and having two wingers, in Young and Walcott, able to go past defenders on both wings should create space and opportunity for all; and gives us more points of attack which makes us harder to defend against.

[Robin]

"England have 3 world class players at this point in time - Gerard, Ferdinand and Ashley Cole."

Terry too,Rooney is world class too. Remember form is temporary, class is permanent.

how can he be classed as world class until he play at that level.

[aqqe]

No, he's not world class. He lacks the passing skills and the close control needed for me to describe him as 'world class'. There is still time though.

[Michael]

He is an excellent player. He's not world class though. England have 3 world class players at this point in time - Gerard, Ferdinand and Ashley Cole.

[moeti]

he is the best

[RMAV]

Yes he is. A World Class act, who sooner or later will be given the opportunity to unleash his searing pace on International teams the world over. He has everything that Downing has and more, and the sooner Don Capello sees that the better England will become.