In discussions on this forum, there has been much praise for what was often referred to as the "holy trinity" for Australian youth development—comprising the Belgium Pro League, Dutch Eredivisie, and Germany's Buli.2. These leagues were considered excellent pathways for young Australian players to advance their skills and careers. With France now dropping out of the Big 5 league rankings, the emphasis on Belgium as a top destination for Australian players to develop their game has been reinforced.
Recently, Buli.2 has proven to be a favorable environment for Australian players, and The Championship in England can also be seen as a similar destination offering valuable opportunities for growth. On the other hand, countries like Italy, Spain, and France are known to present cultural challenges for players to settle into, and their leagues tend to prioritize players with national heritage ties. Portugal falls into this category as well, with many Australian players struggling to make an impact there. Interestingly, Turkey has shown more promise as a destination for European player development compared to Portugal.
Given the current rankings, it seems that the "holy trinity" concept resonates with many on the forum, as the Belgium Pro League, Dutch Eredivisie, and Buli.2 remain among the best destinations for Australian footballers to consider once they graduate from the A-league. The European League rankings, as of June 30, 2023, are as follows:
1. England (Premier League) 2. Italy (Serie A) 3. Germany (Bundesliga) 4. Spain (LaLiga) 5. Belgium (Belgian Pro League) -------------------------------------------- 6. Netherlands (Eredivisie) 7. France (Ligue 1) 8. Portugal (Liga Portugal) 9. Turkey (Süper Lig) 10. Switzerland (Swiss Super League)
These rankings provide valuable insights for aspiring Australian players looking to make informed decisions about their career paths and opportunities in European football.
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