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South Americans in English Premier League: Brazilian, Argentinian Footballers Find Success in England

Jul 24, 2008

With the success of South American footballers in the English Premier League many expect the number of players from the region to reach new heights in the 2008/09 season

For decades English football was based on home grown talent and high-profile imports from across Europe. But for the first time, last season, Premier League clubs decided to explore the South American market in greater depth.

By the start of the 2007/08 season a record number of South Americans were plying their trade in the Premiership, and in most part to great effect.

South American Footballers At English Clubs

The likes of Carlos Tévez, Javier Mascherano, Roque Santa Cruz, Anderson, Alex and Elano were taking the league by storm, and by the end of the season these players were amongst the most highly acclaimed of the entire competition.

Tévez and Anderson were particularly impressive. Not only did they help Manchester United clinch the Premiership, but also Europe's ultimate prize, the UEFA Champions League, a competition that the Red Devil's hadn't won since 1999.

As Spanish, Italian, and German clubs have already realized, South American footballers add an extra dimension to the European game, and this is the reason why they have been so popular in these leagues over the years.

In contrast, English clubs have been reluctant to sign South Americans, because the fact that players from the region often find it difficult to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, not only in football terms, but due to the climate, the lifestyle, and an obvious language barrier. Recent failure cases have included those of Diego Forlán, Kléberson, and Diego Figueroa.

Success of South Americans in Premiership

However, in the last couple of seasons South Americans have revolutionized English football, and due to the success of Tévez, in particular, Premier League clubs can't get enough of their South Americans.

In-fact, the massive influx of players from the continent will continue this season. Manchester City dished out a club-record fee of £18 million for highly-rated Brazilian striker Jô, and are apparently after more players from the region.

Manchester United are also keen on a number of South Americans, including two of the most sought after strikers on the continent: Colombian striker Radamel Falcao García of River Plate and South American Player of the Year Salvador Cabañas, who plays for Club América of Mexico.

However, the player who is making the most headlines across Europe is Fluminense's outstanding 23-year-old Thiago Neves (could be a suitable replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo if he finally moves to Real Madrid). Last season's Brazilian League MVP scored a hattrick of goals in the final of the Copa Libertadores earlier in the month, a feat that has massively increased his market value.

If United don't secure his services, Arsenal could snatch him away from them. The Gunners, who already count with three Brazilians -- Gilberto Silva, Eduardo da Silva, and Denílson -- could possibly line-up a big-money bid for the midfielder. If not, Spain's Brazilian-born Euro Cup winner, Marcos Senna, could join the club as Mathieu Flamini's permanent replacement.

Scolari's Appointment Brings More Brazilians to Chelsea

But without a doubt Chelsea will be the Premier League club with the greatest South American influence next season. With Luiz Felipe Scolari at the helm, The Blues will be transformed into a side will a strong Brazilian presence. At the moment Chelsea count with four Brazilians, including their latest acquisition, Deco, who joined the club from Barcelona for €10 million.

Scolari is also keen on Real Madrid starlet Robinho, while they still haven't given up hope on FIFA World Player of the Year Kaká. Early signs suggest that the South American contingent at Stamford Bridge could increase dramatically.

The Premier League has surely benefited from the move to acquire talented South Americans. This shift in direction is likely to gain more momentum in the following weeks, indicating that we could be in for one of the most ethnically diverse seasons in Premier League history.