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.
ciudadmarron
Guest
When given socceroos debuts, Schwarzer, Viduka, Emerton, Chipperfield - some of the finest of the golden generation - were all playing in the NSL. Lazaridis definitely did as well. I'm sure there are others from that era.
Punter
Guest
How many from Kewell's era would have made it in this era?
O Golfan
Roar Rookie
The introduction of the A-League has taken away from the quality at the top level of Australian football. Players are less tempted to head overseas. Kewell era all learnt from the best from an early age. As you all point out, it truly is the world game. Australians need to get amongst it as early as they can.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
interesting stat: 472 Brazilians play in the 1st division of Europe's domestic leagues (n1). n2 are france with 306 players.
AZ_RBB
Guest
That's a very good point. Don't forget the Africans who have come a long way in the past decade. The growth of the game in the 21st century has been incredible so it's not easy to keep up. Similar issues with tennis as well.
Punter
Guest
If people want to know why Aussie are starring in the the top leagues of Europe anymore like they did 10/15 years ago. There are more Brazilians. Sth Americans, Eastern Europeans all playing away from home, much more than in the days of Kewell's Viduka's days. Look at the Premier leagues top teams, how many Englishmen are stars. The World has changed, not just Australian playing stock.