By David Lee Wheatley @davewh1980
The influx of foreign players into the Premier League began in earnest during the 1990s bringing a wonderful clutch of talent to the English game that has improve the quality on show considerably. Here’s my list of the top 10 Brazilians who have graced the Premier League during the last 20 years or so.
10. Julio Cesar (QPR)
Champions League winner Julio Cesar joined Queens Park Rangers in 2012 and suffered a torrid time working behind a porous defence that allowed 61 goals during that awful relegation season. Despite those unimpressive statistics, the veteran performed heroically at times to prove his class and there would’ve been many more heavy defeats for the R’s to swallow without his supreme agility and goalkeeping prowess. Now plying his trade with Benfica following a short stint in MLS with Toronto FC.
9. Emerson Thome (Sheffield Wednesday, Chelsea, Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic)
Strong central defender Emerson Thome came to these shores from Portuguese giants Benfica in 1997 and made a big impression at Hillsborough before a lucrative switch to Chelsea two years later. He played second fiddle to Frank Leboeuf and Marcel Desailly for much of his time there, but was rescued by Peter Reid nine months later when signing for Sunderland. Strangely for a Brazilian, Thome couldn’t pass accurately and often looked uncomfortable in possession, but he was hugely talented in the art of defending. Became something of a cult hero at the Stadium of Light before enjoying spells with Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, Derby County and Vissel Kobe in japan.
8. Willian (Chelsea)
Turned down Spurs to join Chelsea for £32million in August 2013 from Russian outfit Anzhi and has made a significant impact during his short time in the Premier League. He’s been in-and-out of Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up, but always seems to alter the course of the game positively whether coming off the bench or lining up from the beginning of games. Pacy and keen to take opponents on, Willian has the ability to excite the crowd in order to get them on their feet and is certainly capable of nailing down a regular spot at Stamford Bridge.
7. Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Young attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho flattered to deceive during three years at Inter in Serie A – interspersed with a short loan spell at Espanyol – but has blossomed under Brendan Rodgers at Anfield. Skilful, forward-thinking and with a keen eye for goal, 22-year-old Coutinho will only get better and could eventually become a regular in his national team having made three appearances for the senior Brazil side thus far. His ability to carve out opportunities for others is undoubtedly greatest strength.
6. Oscar (Chelsea)
At 23, Oscar has already featured for Sao Paulo, Internacional and Chelsea during his fledgling career, while amassing 40 caps for his country. After an indifferent opening campaign at Stamford Bridge in 2012-13, the attacking midfield schemer has since grown in stature at Premier League level and now looks every inch a superstar. Oscar is a fabulous passer of the ball, while also creating plenty of time on the ball for himself, plus he’s significantly improving his goalscoring contribution. It’ll be an interesting to see how long Chelsea manage to hold on to the youngster, with just about every big club around Europe shooting admiring glances in his direction.
5. Edu (Arsenal)
Defensive midfielder Edu was initially a low-profile signing by Arsene Wenger from Corinthians, but made a massive impression during a four-year stay at Highbury. Strong but fair, Edu was the catalyst for a great deal of the fantastic attacking work produced by the Gunners during that period. He was elegant on the ball, deft in the tackle and inventive when striding forwards. Edu was an integral part of the ‘Invincibles’ team of 2003-04, but ended up leaving for Valencia a year later.
4. Ramires (Chelsea)
Ramires has been a consistent performer on the right-hand side of Chelsea’s midfield since leaving Benfica in 2010 with his galloping runs, strong work ethic and willingness to put challenges in when required endearing him to supporters. The 27-year-old has clocked up over half-a-century of international caps for Brazil, while playing a key role in Chelsea’s magnificent Champions League triumph of 2012.
3. Sandro (Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers)
Sandro is a player in similar mould to former Arsenal star Edu in that he arrived at Spurs without much reputation or expectation on his shoulders, but emerged as a leading light for the club superseding more illustrious peers in the process. He spent four happy seasons at White Hart Lane – including participation in the Champions League – and became a fans’ favourite thanks to his tough tackling and never-say-die attitude. Reunited with former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp this past summer when surprisingly being allowed to leave for newly-promoted QPR.
2. Gilberto Silva (Arsenal)
Another defensive central midfielder who thrived in north London, Gilberto Silva helped Arsenal to great success throughout the majority of his six-year association with the Gunners. Another member of the ‘Invincibles’ side that went unbeaten for the entire 2003-04 Premier League campaign, Gilberto cemented a legacy at Arsenal as the finest Brazilian to grace the club. His tall frame, languid style and cool exterior under pressure made him a joy to watch. He moved on to Panathinaikos in 2008 before returning to his homeland with Gremio and then former club Atletico Mineiro.
1. Juninho (Middlesbrough)
The diminutive Juninho was one of the very first Brazilian players to arrive in the Premier League along with left-back Branco and, such was his love and affection for Middlesbrough, he eventually racked up three spells on Teesside throughout his much-travelled career. Manager Bryan Robson brought Juninho to the north-east in 1995, with big-name signings Emerson and Fabrizio Ravanelli following a year later. It was a period of outstanding promise for ‘Boro that turned sour when they ran into trouble in 1997, culminating in a devastating relegation from the top-flight following an earlier three-point deduction levied for an unfulfilled fixture. Still, an unbroken bond had been forged between the little magician and the Middlesbrough fans, which led to his return on loan in 1999 and subsequently a permanent move back to the region in 2002. He was a trailblazer for his fellow countrymen; highly skilled, innovative, quick thinking and marvellous to behold when at his very best.
