Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says British players are as technically-gifted as any in the game.
Rodgers says the difference comes from tactics.
The boss told Liverpoolfc.com: "I've been fortunate enough in my coaching life, I've worked with kids from five years of age right the way through to some of the biggest talents in European football and international captains, and I've worked with British and European players.
"For me, the European player is no more gifted technically than the British player.
"But where there is a difference is in how they, in their youth and formative years, have been asked to play the game.
"If you're a European player and when you've got the ball your first option is to pass the ball to feet, then of course you're going to look better technically than the British player, when he is asked to get the ball and smash it up the pitch. He doesn't look so technical.
"But that's not technical, that's a tactical concept of the game.
"We have enough top players in this country that are technically very strong. I think the idea of possession is important, that players can understand patience and how to be with the ball. But I don't think it's from a lack of technical quality."