Aston Villa stand alone as the Premier League's lone remaining representative in European competition this year, after the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal were eliminated from continental play last week.
Villa are competing in the UEFA Europa Conference League, meaning no English teams remain in the Champions League or Europa League. It's a stark reminder of the competitiveness of those tournaments, and a longtime former Premier League player is not surprised that clubs from across the continent are faring so well.
Speaking to Paddy Power, former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Bacary Sagna explained why the gap between the Premier League and the rest of Europe is closing — even though he still feels the English top flight is the best.
“The gap between the Premier League and other European leagues is getting tighter and tighter – you have quality teams all over Europe," Sagna said.
"Germany have been doing well this season, and when you look at a team like Bayer Leverkusen, the way they are playing is phenomenal.
“There is more technology, and teams are composed of more people now – analysts, new ways of recruiting, and the level is getting higher and higher. It’s not surprising to see better teams and talent year after year.
“The Premier League is still the strongest for me, but the gap is closing with other leagues.”
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