Stoke City defender Jonathan Woodgate says standards in the Premier League have fallen.

The former Tottenham and Real Madrid stopper reckons the slump is underlined by the fact lesser teams, like the Potters, are within striking distance of big-spending Liverpool.

But he has been impressed by Swansea and boss Brendan Rodgers.

Woody, 32, said: "I don't think the standard is as good as it has been - you can tell because teams aren't too far behind Liverpool.

"Maybe the quality has gone out of the league a bit although Swansea have been unbelievable.

"I love the way they play football.

"Brendan Rodgers is destined for a big job."