... the world's sports press have been quick to say the Premier League is all wind and piss, and far from being "the best league in the world".
But, Mathieu Debuchy has admitted playing for Newcastle United in the Premier League has made him a better player, and it REALLY is the best.
Mathieu Debuchy: “You become better by playing and training with big players, and playing in the best league of course you will progress.
“You never know with the World Cup – you have to be ambitious. With France the team has to look to get out of the group stage at the World Cup.
"We will have to play well and show our determination to qualify.”