It's as subjective as anything else.The problem with the term ‘world class’ is that everyone has their own definition. You’d have to give a definition that we all work to decide whether we have / have had world class players.
Hopefully high enough so Solly can score from a penWe have a World Cup winner in the ranks. How high are we setting the bar?
The one with currently 1.5% of the NSC POTS poll?Mac Allister objectively one of the best players in the world this past year.
Is it possible to be a world class utility player?"World class" means ranking amongst the world's best. So how highly does a player need to rank to be world class? Top ten in their position? Top five? Measured against all those that ever played or are playing now?
I'll go with current top ten in their position.
Caicedo is the most likely one, I can't name 10 better DMs.
Big Mac has a lot of competition so is a maybe for me.
Estupinian could be creeping in there, I can't think of 10 better left backs in the world.
Players like Mitoma and all the kids need a longer period of magnificence before they can stake a claim.
Of the old guard, whilst all are obviously fantastic, it would be hard to make a case for them. Maybe Dunk but again there is a lot of competition.
In answer to the OP: yes at least one. And I am too young to remember that old guy you mentioned.