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The Premier League has been home to a host of special footballing talents from across the globe, for well over two decades now. While the French, Welsh, and Spanish players have dominated the league when it comes to foreign footballers, the men from South America aren't far behind. Be it the samba skills of those from Brazil, or the robust tackles of the Argentines, the Latin Americans have mesmerized the fans of the Premier League for ages now.
Today, we scrutinize the South Americans to have graced the English soil, and try to come up with perhaps the best all-South American eleven there could be. The formation we're going with is a standard 4-4-2.
Goalkeeper - Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur, Watford)
The Brazilian shot-stopper has been playing his football in England since 2008, and has narrowly pipped compatriot Julio Cesar to the spot, who missed out since he was at QPR for a mere two years. Gomes has been a real star for Watford, and has been hugely dependable in goal for the hornets, barring a mistake or two. He has made a total of 210 PL appearances so far, and is still going strong at 36.
Gomes had a far from ideal start, though, as mistakes proved to be costly. Tottenham were in the relegation zone in 2008 initially, when Gomes had the goalkeeping responsibilities. High-profile bloopers continued, as Gomes was largely at fault for Spurs' dismal Champions League performance that season. Tottenham went on to sign Brad Friedel on a free transfer, and then Hugo Lloris from Lyon in 2011, which saw Heurelho Gomes eventually become 3rd choice.
Gomes' tough time at London was brought to an end in 2014, when he signed for Watford. Gomes played a crucial role in their promotion campaign, and is now well settled at the club, as they continue to establish themselves as Premier League regulars.
Defenders
Right Back - Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City, West Ham)
One of the finest right backs in Premier League history, Pablo Zabaleta rejected Juventus in the process of making the switch from Spain to England in 2008. Initially benched by a tremendous Micah Richards, Zabaleta capitalized on the Englishman's injuries, and established himself as City's first choice right back. He produced one stellar performance after other as he grew in stature, just as the club did too. He amassed a total of 230 PL appearances for Manchester City, winning two titles, and the Manchester City player of the season 12/13 award.
The Argentine is known for his tough - tackling and sublime link - up play, and is adored by the City fans for giving it his all for the club. Club captain Vincent Kompany once said he'd pick Pablo Zabaleta to be by his side if he was to go on a war!
Zabaleta was bidden an emotional farewell by the City faithful, having acquired the Legendary status, as he moved to West Ham United at the age of 32.
Centre Back - Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle United)
In the August of 2008, Newcastle shelled out over £10 million for the signature of Argentine defender Fabricio Coloccini from Deportivo La Coruna. However, life in England did not start off ideally for Coloccini, who saw his team get relegated to the Championship that very season. Coloccini was criticized for his less than impressive performances at the back, as Newcastle gave away one goal after another, thereby dropping to the second tier of English football.
Fabricio, however, stayed on, and helped Newcastle return to the Premier League straightaway, having won the Championship title that season. His performances awarded him a place in the Championship team of the year.
Coloccini was determined to prove his worth, and did so in great style. He was a rock at the back for Newcastle over the next two seasons, and was also made the club captain in the 2011/12 season. He turned the doubters into fans, as his performances drew praise from the pundits. His performance in the Tyne-Wear derby was so good, manager Alan Pardew said it reminded him of Bobby Moore!
Coloccini made 248 Premier League appearances for the Magpies, before leaving for San Lorenzo in 2016. A Toon legend.
Centre Back - David Luiz (Chelsea)
Signed in the winter of the 2010/11 season, David Luiz has gone on to become a cult Chelsea hero. He is now enjoying his second spell at the club, having spent a glorious time at PSG in between. He is quite the fun character, who mixes a horrendous performance amidst a string of brilliant ones.
He started off well at Chelsea, impressing everyone with his ability at the back and his confident approach with the ball at his feet. He wowed the Stamford Bridge faithful with his dead - ball situation expertise, and played an important part in everything Chelsea did.
He made 81 appearances before making a world - record move to French champions Paris St. Germain. PSG's dominance was unparalleled, as they won the league in both seasons that Luiz spent there. He return dramatically in the season of 16/17. The signing was questioned a fair bit, and Luiz had the answers. He was brilliant in a back three that consisted of Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta, as Chelsea won the league with two games to spare. He has now made 116 PL appearances for Chelsea in total, scoring 8 goals.
Left Back - Gabriel Heinze (Manchester United)
Yes, when it comes to left backs, we've not had many of them from South America, but based on talent alone, Heinze was a supreme footballer. United bagged him for a fee of £6.9 million from PSG, and the Argentine instantly became the first - choice at left back for Alex Ferguson's side.
He had a great start in Manchester, and was voted the best United player of the 2004/05 season by the Old Trafford faithful.
Injuries proved to be decisive, as new signing Patrice Evra replaced him as first - choice. Appearances were limited, and Heinze was left frustrated, as he famously tried to force a move to rivals Liverpool, whose bid was rejected by United. Heinze was then allowed to move to Real Madrid.
He made 52 PL appearances for United, scoring one goal.
Midfielders
Center Midfielder - Gilberto Silva (Arsenal)
Silva was an integral part of the Arsenal Invincibles, and that is reason enough for him to make this list. However, he was a brilliant midfielder nonetheless and would've made the list on merit alone. Signed amidst complications in the summer of 2002 from Atletico Mineiro, Gilberto Silva was an instant hit in Arsenal colours.
He fended off competiton from compatriot Edu, establishing himself as a mainstay in the Arsenal midfield.
He had a stellar 2003/04, and so did Arsenal, who stunned the world by going the entire season unbeaten.
He had another excellent season in 2004/05, before a serious back injury made sure he was never the same again. He racked up 170 PL appearances for the Gunners, scoring 17 important goals. He then moved to Greek giants Panathinaikos.
Center Midfielder - Gus Poyet (Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur)
Those who witnessed Gustavo Poyet in action, will tell you that he was one of those rare midfielders with a genuine eye for goal. So, it was natural that a fair bit of hype surrounded him when he entered the English scene with Chelsea in 1997.
Having spent seven years at Real Zaragoza, Poyet decided that a new challenge was needed, and it was Chelsea who benefited, with the Uruguayan coming to London on a free transfer.
Large phases of his career, though, were plagued by injuries, the most notable being a cruciate ligament damage. However, whenever fit to play, Poyet was scoring freely from midfield. He was instrumental in Chelsea's European Cup Winners' Cup triumph and FA Cup glory during his stay, but was deemed surplus to requirements by then newly appointed manager Claudio Ranieri.
In 2001, looking to revive whatever was left of his playing career, Poyet moved north to Tottenham, where he had his fair share of injury spells again. Scoring 14 goals in his debut season, Poyet helped Spurs reach the League Cup final that season, eventually ending up on the losing side.
In 187 Premier League appearances, Gus managed a very healthy 56 goals. Now a fairly established manager, Poyet is enjoying his new job.
Right Wing Midfielder - Nolberto Solano (Newcastle United, Aston Villa, West Ham United)
When Solano joined Newcastle from Boca Juniors, he became the first ever Peruvian to play in the Premier League. He had the skills and flair in his bag, and impressed the St. James' Park faithful with his footballing abilities. He scored 29 PL goals in his six years at Newcastle, having played 172 games. He then moved on to Aston Villa, and blamed a strained relationship with manager Bobby Robson as the reason.
He had a successful stint at Aston Villa, and was voted their best player of the season 2004/05. He then returned to Newcastle United, rejecting a deadline day offer from Liverpool.
He played a lot of his games at right back this time, following injuries to Stephen Carr and the others. However, it wasn't an unfamiliar position, as he had started his playing career there.
His last Premier League club was West Ham, for whom he played because he wanted to live in London, since his family was settled there. He had a short spell in Greece, and then returned to England, this time playing for Championship clubs Leicester City, Hull City, and then League One club Hartlepool United.
He made a total of 302 Premier League appearances, scoring 49 goals. A player of finesse.
Left Wing Midfielder - Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
Sanchez was an icon in Barcelona and Udinese. He is a saviour at Arsenal. Signed for £31.7 million from Barcelona in the summer of 2014, Sanchez has now become a world star, and is certainly one of the best players in the world. He is known for his tenacity, eye for goal, passing sense, and a 'never say die' attitude, which has made him a fan favourite.
He has also helped Chile win two consecutive Copa America titles, against all odds.
Sanchez has scored a superb 53 goals from the left wing for Arsenal in only 103 Premier League appearances, and Arsenal would do well to hold on to this gem of a footballer, who reportedly wants to move in search of more silverware.
He has won two FA Cups during his time at Arsenal, scoring in both the finals.
Forwards
Center Forward - Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
A Premier League and world football icon, this list would simply be incomplete without the mercurial Luis "El Pistolero" Suarez. One of the most controversial players of this generation, Suarez is known for his exploits both on and off the pitch.
Suarez joined Liverpool in January, 2011, becoming the club's most expensive signing ever, though that record was broken just a few hours later, when Andy Carroll's arrival was announced. Though his time at Liverpool will be remembered for his antics involving Branislav Ivanovic and Patrice Evra, it goes without saying that Suarez was quite a thunderbolt in footballing matters too. Arriving from Ajax for over £22 million, Luis had the tag of being a natural goalscorer.
However, his performances were disappointing considering the reputation he carried with him. Liverpool were struggling as well, and so was fellow forward Carroll.
Then, Suarez turned it around in a trice.
He scored a mammoth 31 goals in just 33 games to almost hand the title to Liverpool all by himself, ultimately losing out to Manchester City in yet another dramatic end to an absorbing season. Suarez was deservedly voted the Player Of The Year, and a move to an even bigger club seemed imminent, with Barcelona knocking on the door. Eventually, Suarez moved to Catalonia, and is now scoring at a surreal rate in the La Liga.
A very, very special player, Suarez ended his two and a half year stay in England with 69 goals in 110 games. The Premier League surely misses the talent of Luis Suarez.
Striker - Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
The man who has given us the greatest moment in the history of the Premier League, Sergio Aguero almost inevitably makes this list. His goalscoring record is quite extraordinary, and he has been a fairy tale player for City, ever since he arrived from Atletico Madrid in 2011. He scored a brace and bagged an assist in his debut itself, coming on as a substitute v Swansea City. He scored 23 goals in his very first season, the most important being a dramatic 93rd minute title winner v QPR on the final day, to stun everyone at Manchester United.
Aguero was part of a breathtaking strike force at City, which consisted of him, Edin Dzeko, Carlos Tevez, and Mario Balotelli. He formed yet another partnership with Alvaro Negredo, as City won the title again, two years later.
Nicknamed "Kun", the Argentine now has 123 goals in 183 PL games for City, a simply staggering statistic.
One of the best players in the world, and a club legend at only 29, Aguero is closing in on a number of goalscoring records, which will confirm his status as one of the best strikers in PL history.
Honourable mentions
There are a number of amazing talents that missed out, in some cases due to better counterparts, and lack of PL appearances in others. Here are a number of such players, who would make this list on any other day, just not today...
- Carlos Tevez (Manchester United)
- Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers)
- Edu Gaspar (Arsenal)
- Fernandinho (Manchester City)
- Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
- Juan Sebastian Veron (Manchester United, Chelsea)
- Rafael (Manchester United)
- Javier Hernandez (Manchester United, West Ham United)
- Juninho (Middlesbrough)
- Javier Mascherano (Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur)
- Antonio Valencia (Wigan Athletic, Manchester United)
What do you think of the line - up? Did we miss out on someone? Did someone else deserve a starting place? Let your thoughts be heard in the comments section.
