Former Arsenal, Chelsea and a Middlesbrough star in our top five Samba Stars of the Premier League with a question mark over 2 of Manchester City’s former Brazilians.
As Spurs chase Leandro Damiao and Willian whilst Ramires, Lucas, David Silva, Anderson and Rafael are currently plying their trade admirably in the Premier League we ask, who are the greatest Brazilian’s to play in the Premier League?
5. Edu
He could easily have been in the ‘flops’ article on this topic after a poor start to his Arsenal career, having the embarrassment of being subbed on then off again on his debut and scoring an own goal in a 3-0 loss against Middlesbrough.
The poor start probably wasn’t helped by the tragic death of his sister and the passport wrangling that besieged his transfer from Corinthians. But after that he was an integral part of the Arsenal team for 3 seasons winning the Premier League twice and the FA Cup 3 times during his spell and becoming a cult hero at Highbury before moving to Valencia in 2005.
4. Juliano Beletti
The Brazilian right back arrived at Chelsea from Barcelona fast approaching the advent of his career.
Yet he played a vital role in bringing back to back FA Cup triumphs and a Premier League victory to the Bridge during his stay.
Despite not noted for his goalscoring, he chipped in with some superb goals for Chelsea and was popular for his high work rate and positional versatility.
3. Alex
After work permit issues forced Alex into an impressive 3 year loan spell at PSV he finally made his debut for Chelsea in 2007.
He went on to outperform Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry on occasions as he battled for a centre half berth in a successful Chelsea side.
Also noted for his powerful free kicks the Brazilian’s form slipped toward the end of his Stamford Bridge he signed for big spending Paris Saint-Germain in France this summer.
2. Juninho
Icon, hero, legend all overused words but on Teesside ‘The Little Fella’ is just that.
His first of 3 stints at Boro started in 1995 and he went on to help lead the club to the FA Cup and League Cup finals in 1997.
After pursuing his World Cup squad dream in an unsuccessful and injury ravaged spell in Spain he moved back to Boro two more times, one on loan and again permanently in 2002.
He claimed winning the League Cup with Boro in 2004 was better than winning the World Cup in 2002 and has been voted The Teessiders greatest ever player in a PFA poll.
1. Gilberto Silva
One of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ and a club legend; Gilberto Silva is easily the most consistent and greatest of all the Brazilians to grace English football.
Nicknamed the ‘Invisible Wall’ his no-nonsense short passing game from the holding midfield role was often the canvas for many an Arsenal counter attack.
Physically strong and fast he goes down as one of Arsenal’s best ever midfield players and the best Brazilian to play in the Premier League.
Other notable mentions include Denilson, Fabio Aurelio, Emerson and Sylvinho whilst Elano and Robinho’s spell at Manchester City was tumultuous but they did provide some sparkling moment’s during their time at Eastlands without doing enough to make the top 5.
image: © the_junes
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