It could be argued that Manchester City under Martin O'Neill were among the early pioneers of a more tactically structured style in the Premier League. Their methods, influenced by continental ideas and supported by emerging sports science and video analysis technology, were often described by traditional English observers as "Europeanized."
At the time, English football still carried a strong identity rooted in physicality, direct play, and aerial dominance. So when teams began emphasizing positional discipline, patient buildup, and tactical flexibility, it felt like a cultural shift.
The same distinction extended to players.
In the English football mindset of that era, there were almost two archetypes: the "English-style" player and the "European-style" player. It wasn't strictly about nationality — it was about approach.
