Three Brazilian midfielders stamped their influence on the English Premier League title race in the crucial set of midweek fixtures. Manchester City’s Fernandinho scored the opening goal in City’s 3-2 away win at Swansea.
Oscar and Willian came off the bench early in the second half to inspire a stuttering Chelsea side against Southampton. The match was locked at 0-0 prior to the pair’s introduction. Both scored as Chelsea romped to a 3-0 win.
Critically, both Manchester City and Chelsea remain within just two points of leaders Arsenal.
English Premier League history hasn’t exactly been littered with Brazil’s best players. Think of Brazil’s greatest – Pelé, Romário, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and co. None have graced the pitches of England’s top division.
Arguably the best ever Brazilian to play in the Premier League is Gilberto Silva. He won both the World Cup, and the Premier League title with Arsenal.
Gilberto was certainly an excellent defensive midfielder. But he hardly characterised the quintessential goal-scoring, wonderfully talented Brazilian wizard that is known and loved among Sporting Tragics worldwide.
Veja magazine in São Paulo described Gilberto as “carrying the piano for Ronaldo and Rivaldo to play their tunes on.”
Fernandinho, Oscar and Willian play with panache, power and goal-scoring flair. They have settled well in the Premier League, and have made 20+ appearances for their clubs this season.
Importantly, they discovered their goal-scoring touch at a critical Premier League juncture, enabling their clubs to maintain pace with leaders Arsenal.
At the World Cup there will be fierce competition for places in the Brazil midfield. But Fernandinho, Oscar and Willian are all worthy of an opportunity in the team.
By the end of the World Cup perhaps one, or more, will join Gilberto as both a World Cup and Premier League title winner.
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