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Brazil has always exported some of the best talents to the European continent throughout football history. From Zico, Romário and Roberto Carlos, to Ronaldinho, Neymar and Marcelo, Brazilians have so often enjoyed successful spells in Europe. And present times are no different.
In a season where the 5-time world champions pursue their preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Brazilians continue to impress in Europe's top 5 leagues. Goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and even attackers, the Seleção is well-served in all departments in terms of quality and depth.
So, who are the 5 Brazilians who have been performing at the highest level during campaign? Without further ado, let's have a look
#5 Alisson Becker (AS Roma):
While all eyes of the international press are on Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, another rising Brazilian talent is consistantly perfroming week in week out for Serie A side AS Roma.
The English Premier League has the biggest media coverage, which is perhaps why not many are aware of the brilliant campaign that Alisson is having. As a matter of fact, the 25-year old has already kept 14 clean sheets across all competitions this season, which gives him the edge over countryman Ederson Moraes, with 12.
In addition to that, Alisson is considered the first choice under Brazil boss Tite, and it does not seem that the situation is likely to change in Russia. The shot-stopper has been brilliant for both club and country, and has rightly cemented his starting spot.
What makes Alisson special is that besides his quick reflexes, positioning and handling, his footwork is pretty good on the ball. He has the quality to receive the ball under pressure and play an intelligent pass, instead of brainlessly clearing it away.
Becker has been impressive ever since his days with Internacional in Brazil. 1994 World Cup hero, Claudio Taffarel, touted the Gaucho to be the next great Brazilian goalkeeper.
#4 Malcom (Bordeaux):
The Ligue 1 has shown to be one of the best destinations for Brazilian youngsters willing to make the jump to Europe, and Malcom is one of several successful examples that back this theory.
Malcom has been one of the best performers in the French league this season, and quite possibly the best at his position, on that right-hand flank where he is so efficient at exploiting spaces, taking on his marker, creating chances and scoring goals.
The 20-year old is just as efficient as he is entertaining to watch. His skills and dribbles are never in vein, as he tends to back it up with a relatively high end product. As a matter of fact, Malcom has already scored 7 goals and mustered 4 assists in league action, this season. He is the source of hope for Bordeaux in almost every single game, as he looks to be the difference makers who creates danger from what seems to be, dead situations.
Many top European sides are reportedly being linked with the Brazil U20 star. Bordeaux will find it very difficult to keep a player of this caliber, who keeps getting better and better every week.
In a recent interview, Brazil manager Tite has admitted that leaving Malcom out of the national team could be a mistake, if he continues to pull out such high level of displays.
#3 Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool):
Philippe Coutinho was one of the most talked-of footballers during the last transfer market, as Catalan giants FC Barcelona seemed resilient on securing his services. However, Liverpool owners had other plans in mind, and were able to retain their Brazilian jewel.
Coutinho is already proving why Klopp's decision to maintain faith in him, was spot on. The magician, as Liverpool fans like to call him, has been nothing short of sensational in the past few weeks, following his return from a series of minor injuries.
In just 13 appearances this season, Coutinho has found the net on 9 different occasions and provided 6 assists for the English giants. Despite swapping positions from wide left to a more central role, Philippe remains as impressive as ever. And his product has, if anything, increased.
In the Champions League, the 25-year old is on an impressive stat of 7 goal involvements in 4 starts. It is no surprise why Barcelona was ready to spend a fortune for him. Rumors in Spanish press, suggest that the Catalans could be back with an improved bid in January, however, with the temptation of eliminating FC Porto and reaching the quarter finals of the Champions League, it is hardly unlikely that Liverpool accept to let go of their key player.
#2 - Fernandinho (Manchester City):
Fernandinho has been one of the most consistent players in the English Premier League in the past four years, yet he continues to be underrated by many. But not on our list, as he makes the second place - and rightly so.
Manchester City are arguably playing the best attacking football in Europe this season. But without a specific balance between defense and offense, the system would not have been as efficient. And Guardiola certainly has his Brazilian midfield commander to thank, in part.
As a matter of fact, the Spanish tactician has recently claimed that Fernandinho is among the three best holding midfielders in the world. A big shout, but certainly a reasonable one, coming from one of the most successful managers in recent times.
Fernandinho averages more successful passes per game (83.4) than any other player in the Premier League this season. His pass success of 90% is also among the best in the competition. Defensively speaking, the elegant 33-year old averages 2 successful tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game. Mind you, his quality to support the attack, highlighted with 4 goal involvements in league action.
The veteran is always working hard like a tireless engine, recovering the ball at the right time and launching his teammates for the counter attacks. It will be interesting to see how long he can sustain all this pressure and accumulating fatigue.
#1 Neymar Jr (Paris Saint Germain):
Neymar shocked the world when he completed his transfer from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint Germain for around 250 million dollars, last summer. The French giants had to trigger his release clause, as the Catalans refused to sell. Many journalists were critical towards the sum being paid for the services of a footballer, however, this transfer is starting to look more and more reasonable as time passes.
One could argue that no player in the world is worth as much as PSG paid for Neymar, but the Brazilian has been phenomenal since his move to the French capital and is already a fan-favorite at his new club.
Neymar currently forms with Kylian Mbappé and Edinson Cavani, what could arguably be regarded as the best attacking trio in Europe as we speak. In fact, PSG have scored 24 goals in the group stage of the Champions League, which is an all-time record.
In terms of individual stats, Neymar has been just as good as anyone else this season, having scored 15 goals and distributed 9 assists. In the Champions League, only Cristiano Ronaldo has more goal involvements (10) than the Brazilian ace (9). In other words, Neymar has the stats to back his case for Ballon d'Or triumph, if he was to achieve major success with PSG in Europe, or later on with Brazil in Russia.
The stage is set for the 25-year old to break the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 2018 will be the moment of truth, where he finally shows whether he is able to live up to the hype as the main man, or whether he will fade when it matters the most.
