The Greatest South American XI from the Premier League
On Monday I wrote about the biggest South American flops XI in Premiership histor, which included players like Jo, Juan Sebastian Veron and Kleberson. Now I’m going to cover the best XI South American players that have graced the Premiership. The standard was set by Tottenham pair Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa, who paved the way for foreigners in England. Because the pool of South American talent in the Premier League is limited, to put it best, players from Central American countries like Mexico and Honduras can be counted in this list. Here are the best XI South American players in the Premiership since it began in 1992.
GK: Gomes
(Tottenham, 2008-present)
Just like the worst South American’s list, there is not much competition for this spot. Signed by Juande Ramos from PSV for £7.8 million in 2008, Gomes had a disastrous start to his Spurs career, making a series of high-profile mistakes. Has sorted it out though, becoming an excellent shot stopper and has been in fine form for Tottenham this season.
B: Maynor Figueroa
(Wigan, 2008-present)
Possessing a sensational left foot and powerful shot, as seen with his sensational 70 yard strike against Stoke this season, Figueroa has been a bargain for Wigan since arriving from Olimpia in 2008. Has just signed a new contract with Wigan, but that has not stopped Steve Bruce sniffing around his former player in the hope he can entice the Honduran to join Sunderland.
(Chelsea, 2007-present)
Since joining Chelsea from PSV, “The Tank” has performed well for Chelsea, backing up first-choice defenders John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho. Known for his physical strength, imposing size and powerful free-kicks, Alex has been solid for Chelsea in his time at the club.
(Manchester United, 2004-07)
Signed from PSG in 2004 for £6.9 million, Heinze quickly established himself as the first-choice left back at Old Trafford. Injuries and the emergence of Patrice Evra signalled the end of Heinze at United, and he was sold to Real Madrid in 2007. Now back in France with Marseille.
(Chelsea and Tottenham, 1997-2004)
A powerful midfielder with an eye for scoring goals, Poyet was a massive hit in his time in England with Chelsea and Spurs. Returned to White Hart Lane as assistant manager in the Ramos era, Poyet is now managing Brighton in League One.
CM: Gilberto Silva
(Arsenal, 2002-08)
One of the best defensive midfielders in the world in his time with Arsenal, Gilberto was Arsenal’s version of Claude Makelele. Was part of Wenger’s “Invincibles” in 2004, but fell out with the Frenchman and was shipped off to Greece with Panathinaikos.
CM: Wilson Palacios
(Birmingham, Wigan and Tottenham, 2007-present)
Another one of Steve Bruce’s bargain buys, Palacios has been a revelation at Wigan and Spurs, and the £12 million Spurs paid for the Honduran looks like a bargain now. Tough tackling, powerful and hard working, Palacios is now one of the best central midfielders in the Premiership.
CM: Javier Mascherano
(West Ham and Liverpool, 2006-present)
Disappointing at West Ham, Mascherano has shone at Liverpool, due to his work rate and ability to break up play, which make the midfielder a valuable part of Liverpool’s side. Needs to learn how to control his mouth, which gets him into trouble with referees, but nonetheless has been a great success in the Premier League.
RM: Antonio Valencia
(Wigan and Manchester United, 2008-present)
Excellent at Wigan, Valencia’s exploits earned the Ecuadorian a move to Old Trafford last summer and has proved a hit for United. His pace and crossing make him a valuable asset to United on the wing.
ST: Carlos Tevez
(West Ham, Manchester United and Man City, 2006-present)
Single-handedly kept West Ham in the Premiership, won two Premier League titles and a Champions League at Old Trafford and is now excelling for rivals City. A world class player possessing great ball skills and a tremendous work-rate, Tevez has had the most impact of any player in this list.
ST: Hugo Rodallega
(Wigan, 2008-present)
Just edges out Roque Santa Cruz in this list, mainly because the Peruvian has only had one great season in England, and two indifferent seasons because of injuries. Strong, quick and with an eye for goal, Rodallega has impressed in just over a year in England, with the Colombian scoring 7 times already this season.
Subs: Juliano Belletti (Chelsea), Mauricio Taricco (Tottenham), Nolberto Solano (Newcastle), Elano (Man City), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn/Man City), Mauro Zarate (Birmingham), Faustino Asprilla (Newcastle).
Are there any South Americans that should or should not be on this list?
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Unfortunately for this team, Honduras is not in south america so Palacios can’t take part
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and also Figueroa of course
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gilberto wins!
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Do you not think Juninho is at least worthy of a place on the bench ahead of Zarate, if not a place in the team ahead of Valencia?
But not Emerson or Kleberson. Never Emerson or Kleberson.
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No place for Juninho but you have Rodallega and Valencia? Funny stuff
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TARRICO!! what a legend! Ricky villa? Ossie?
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Karl – I know Honduras is not in South America but as I wrote at the beginning, I was opening it up to Central American countries as well like Mexico and Honduras.
The Yid – Ricky Villa and Ossie Ardiles didn’t play in the Premiership.
Beadle and Rich – You are definitely right, Juninho was a great player and should be on here. I made a mistake and completely forgot to put him on here.
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There are a load of possibilities for inclusion, there has been Geovanni, Sylvinho, Juan Pablo Angel and Diego Forlan all of whom i’d see ahead of Rodallega and Taricco. What about Edu or even going back to somebody like Isaias, purely for being the first Brazilian to play in the Premier League.
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