TOP TEN BRAZIL STARS IN THE ENGLISH PREMEIR LEAGUE [KRAZILY INSANE]
Krazily Insane said
21:41 09/29 2008
ROBINHOS arrival at Manchester City has rocked the Premier League.
The forward was expected to join Chelsea in the summer but signed for City at the 11th hour after they were bought by mega-rich Arabs.
And the former Real Madrid ace already looks like a wise piece of business even at a British record £32million.
To mark his impact, we have selected the best Brazilians to ever play in England.
We have discounted the likes of Robinho, Jo and Heurelho Gomes, as it is too early to judge the success of this summers arrivals.
And, of course, there is no place here for flops such as Kleberson, Jardel and Roque Junior.
But what this list does demonstrate is the Premier Leagues inability barring Robinhos recent switch to attract the elite Brazilian talent.
No10: Geovanni
Former Barcelona forward Geovanni has a habit of upsetting the big boys. After signing for Manchester City last year, he scored the winner in the derby with United. And despite a summer move to Hull, he again proved his value with a superb strike in the shock win at Arsenal on Saturday.
No9: Mirandinha
The very first Brazilian well before foreign players started arriving in their droves. Newcastle striker Mirandinha cost £575,000 (a big sum in 1987) from Palmeiras and, along with future England star Paul Gascoigne, helped them finish eighth. But his star faded as Toon were relegated a year later.
No8: Lucas
The Liverpool midfielder has yet to establish himself as a first-team regular at Anfield but there has already been enough to suggest he can blossom in the future. Lucas faces tough competition for places with the Reds but boss Rafa Benitez believes the £8m signing could become a real box-to-box star.
No7: Afonso Alves
Alves was a prime candidate to become the latest high-profile flop but he is quietly earning an impressive reputation at Middlesbrough. The £12m striker has scored seven goals in 13 league starts since his January move. Much will depend on his ability to perform during the cold winter months.
No6: Denilson
Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal failed to replace defensive midfielders Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto in the summer. But they did not hesitate to promote £3.4m Denilson and the 20-year-old has repaid their faith with impressive displays in starting every league game so far this season.
No5: Elano
Signed during the haze of arrivals in the early days of Sven Goran Erikssons reign, Elano emerged as arguably the best buy. The £7m midfielder immediately demonstrated his eye for wonder goals and although his form tailed off, he is now threatening a return to his best under Mark Hughes.
No4: Anderson
Paul Scholes may be in the autumn of his career but Manchester United have a replacement ready in Anderson. The tough-tackling £14m midfielder is a ball of energy in the centre of the park and is set to emerge as one of the clubs key stars in the future.
No3: Edu
Despite a slow start at Arsenal, £6m Edu soon became a key player in their bid for trophies. The midfielder helped them to two titles and three FA Cups in his four-year stint. He eventually opted to join Valencia on a free and it is worth noting that the Gunners have not won a trophy since his departure.
No2: Gilberto Silva
Arsenal fans bid a fond farewell to Gilberto in the summer. Signed after helping Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, the star later helped fill the void left by Patrick Vieira. A powerful midfielder and comfortable on the ball, Gilberto also proved his worth as an emergency centre-back.
No1: Juninho
After Middlesbrough were promoted in 1995, they signed a little-known star called Juninho. The tiny forward went on to become one of club's all-time heroes with a string of dazzling performances. Boro signed some flop Brazilians but Juninho who returned two more times will not be forgotten.
ROBINHOS arrival at Manchester City has rocked the Premier League.
The forward was expected to join Chelsea in the summer but signed for City at the 11th hour after they were bought by mega-rich Arabs.
And the former Real Madrid ace already looks like a wise piece of business even at a British record £32million.
To mark his impact, we have selected the best Brazilians to ever play in England.
We have discounted the likes of Robinho, Jo and Heurelho Gomes, as it is too early to judge the success of this summers arrivals.And, of course, there is no place here for flops such as Kleberson, Jardel and Roque Junior.
But what this list does demonstrate is the Premier Leagues inability barring Robinhos recent switch to attract the elite Brazilian talent.
No10: Geovanni
Former Barcelona forward Geovanni has a habit of upsetting the big boys. After signing for Manchester City last year, he scored the winner in the derby with United. And despite a summer move to Hull, he again proved his value with a superb strike in the shock win at Arsenal on Saturday.
No9: Mirandinha
The very first Brazilian well before foreign players started arriving in their droves. Newcastle striker Mirandinha cost £575,000 (a big sum in 1987) from Palmeiras and, along with future England star Paul Gascoigne, helped them finish eighth. But his star faded as Toon were relegated a year later.
No8: Lucas
The Liverpool midfielder has yet to establish himself as a first-team regular at Anfield but there has already been enough to suggest he can blossom in the future. Lucas faces tough competition for places with the Reds but boss Rafa Benitez believes the £8m signing could become a real box-to-box star.
No7: Afonso Alves
Alves was a prime candidate to become the latest high-profile flop but he is quietly earning an impressive reputation at Middlesbrough. The £12m striker has scored seven goals in 13 league starts since his January move. Much will depend on his ability to perform during the cold winter months.
No6: Denilson
Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal failed to replace defensive midfielders Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto in the summer. But they did not hesitate to promote £3.4m Denilson and the 20-year-old has repaid their faith with impressive displays in starting every league game so far this season.
No5: Elano
Signed during the haze of arrivals in the early days of Sven Goran Erikssons reign, Elano emerged as arguably the best buy. The £7m midfielder immediately demonstrated his eye for wonder goals and although his form tailed off, he is now threatening a return to his best under Mark Hughes.
No4: Anderson
Paul Scholes may be in the autumn of his career but Manchester United have a replacement ready in Anderson. The tough-tackling £14m midfielder is a ball of energy in the centre of the park and is set to emerge as one of the clubs key stars in the future.
No3: Edu
Despite a slow start at Arsenal, £6m Edu soon became a key player in their bid for trophies. The midfielder helped them to two titles and three FA Cups in his four-year stint. He eventually opted to join Valencia on a free and it is worth noting that the Gunners have not won a trophy since his departure.
No2: Gilberto Silva
Arsenal fans bid a fond farewell to Gilberto in the summer. Signed after helping Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, the star later helped fill the void left by Patrick Vieira. A powerful midfielder and comfortable on the ball, Gilberto also proved his worth as an emergency centre-back.
No1: Juninho
After Middlesbrough were promoted in 1995, they signed a little-known star called Juninho. The tiny forward went on to become one of club's all-time heroes with a string of dazzling performances. Boro signed some flop Brazilians but Juninho who returned two more times will not be forgotten.