Top 10 South American players in the Premier League of all-time

The competition has seen many fabulous footballers feature in it from the continent.

Europe is acknowledged for housing the biggest football clubs in the world. The Premier League is one of the most-watched leagues in the world, which also have legendary clubs. These clubs attract players from across the globe because of their financial might. A lot of South American players also come to the Premier League to make a name for themselves, some leave as legends.

A few days ago, Aston Villa confirmed the signing of Phillipe Coutinho. The Brazilian is a former Liverpool player and took the league by storm in his previous spell. He will like to regain that form and take his place amongst the finest South American players to grace the competition. Furthermore, several Premier League clubs have achieved success on the back of contributions from South American players. 

A number of these players have gone on to become legends of the game and their impact on the Premier League was huge. Here is a look at the top 10 South American players, who have plied their trade in the Premier League.

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10. Antonio Valencia (Wigan Athletic & Manchester United)

Antonio Valencia made the most appearances for a South American player in the Premier League. The Ecuadorian right-back played 325 games in the league. He was at Wigan Athletic before signing for Manchester United, where he enjoyed success. Valencia went on to win two league titles with the Red Devils. 

9. Edinson Cavani (Manchester United)

The Uruguayan striker is currently playing for Manchester United in his second season in the Premier League. While his stint will be smaller than others due to the time of his arrival, but one cannot overlook the striker’s quality. Cavani is the all-time leading goalscorer for Paris Saint-Germain and he made an instant impact after signing for the Red Devils, scoring 12 goals in 34 league appearances.

8. Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal & Manchester United)

The Chilean forward was a sight to behold during his stint at Arsenal. Sanchez is arguably the best player to grace the Premier League from his country. He was exceptional for the Gunners after arriving from FC Barcelona, scoring 80 goals in all competitions in 166 appearances. However, his form dipped at Manchester United, where he played only 45 games, scoring five goals. 

7. Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

The Brazilian goalkeeper was a key signing for Liverpool in their quest to win the Premier League after decades. His arrival made a massive impact and thanks to his presence, the Reds went on to win the league during the 2019-20 season. The 29-year-old remains an important part of Jurgen Klopp’s team.

6. Fernandinho (Manchester City)

Yet another Brazilian midfielder, Fernandinho is a major part of Manchester City’s recent success. The defensive midfielder can also play as a centre-back because of his versatility. He has won four Premier League titles with the club, including six League Cups and one FA Cup. The 36-year-old arrived in England in 2013 and will complete nine years at the end of his contract in July 2022.

5. Ederson (Manchester City)

Ederson is relatively new to the Premier League in comparison to other players on this list. However, his impact in the competition is noteworthy. One of the most technically astute goalkeepers in the world, Ederson is a key figure in Manchester City's domestic domination. He is clearly one of the best South American goalkeepers to play in the league, which he has won three times already.

4. Phillipe Coutinho (Liverpool & Aston Villa)

Phillipe Coutinho joined Liverpool from Inter Milan in 2013 and took the league by storm. The Brazilian scored 41 goals and made 37 assists in 152 league appearances. FC Barcelona came in for the player in 2018 and signed him for a club record €135m. However, he failed to excel at the club and has returned to the Premier League on loan.

3. Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

One of the best strikers of his generation, Luis Suarez's stint with Liverpool is very highly regarded. He joined the Reds in 2011 from AFC Ajax and later went on to join FC Barcelona in 2014. While in England, Suarez dismantled defences with his exceptional goalscoring prowess. In 110 league appearances, Suarez managed 69 goals and 39 assists for the Merseysiders.

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2. Carlos Tevez (West Ham, Manchester United & Man City)

Carlos Tevez was one of the most successful South American players in the Premier League. He played for West Ham United, Manchester United and Manchester City. The Argentine scored 84 goals and made 41 assists in 202 league appearances across the board. More importantly, Tevez won the league three times, twice with Manchester United and once with their neighbours Manchester City. 

1. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

Sergio Aguero is a legend of the Premier League and is widely acknowledged as the best foreign player to grace it. The Argentine is the all-time fourth-highest goalscorer in the league with 184 goals in 275 matches. He won five Premier League titles with the Cityzens, along with many other trophies. Aguero recently retired from football due to cardiological issues following his signing for FC Barcelona.

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