Ranking the 10 greatest South American players in Premier League history including Luis Suarez and Carlos Tevez

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The Premier League have staged a plethora of talented South American players over the years.

Most clubs nowadays will have at least one player from that part of the world and more often than not, they’re supremely talented with a high level of technical ability.

Take Wolves’ in-from maverick Matheus Cunha for example, who’s registered 10 goal involvements already this season, including two wonder strikes against Fulham recently.

Cunha’s samba-like performances have put Manchester United on red alert and if he continues the trajectory he’s on, perhaps he could make this list one day.

With that said, TBR Football has carried out the necessary due diligence to rank the 10 best South American players in Premier League history.

The 10 best South American players in Premier League history

10 – Ederson

Since joining from Benfica in 2017, Ederson has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

The Manchester City shot-stopper has won a whopping six Premier League titles and has amassed 29 caps for Brazil.

9 – Javier Mascherano

Javier Mascherano enjoyed stints at West Ham United and Liverpool before earning a move to Barcelona in 2010.

The former Argentina captain was a destroyer but also had the ability to dictate games from the base of midfield.

At his peak, Mascherano was one of the few ‘world-class’ number six’s, as relayed by Rafael Benitez.

“Mascherano is playing well and everyone knows he is a good player and there are not too many world-class holding midfielders around,” Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

8 – Gilberto Silva

Gilberto Silva was part of Arsenal’s historic Invincibles team, which won the Premier League title without losing a single game.

The destructive Brazillian made just shy of 250 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side and is one of the best-holding midfielders of the modern era.

7 – Alisson Becker

Another Brazilian makes this list and this time it’s Liverpool’s number one Alisson Becker, who remains the world’s best goalkeeper.

Whilst the 32-year-old has only won the Premier League once, his level has never really dropped and he’s often been the saving grace during the dark periods under Jurgen Klopp.

6 – Fernandinho

Joining the list in sixth is five-time Premier League winner Fernandinho, who enjoyed a glittering career at Manchester City.

The 53-cap Brazil international was a stalwart for Pep Guardiola’s side and was part of the historic centurions side – who amassed a record-breaking 100 points in one season.

Jamie Redknapp even lauded him as the best defensive midfielder in Premier League history.

5 – Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino arrived at Liverpool with little fanfare but it soon became evident that he could become a club legend.

Once Jurgen Klopp got his hands on him, Firmino established himself as the best false nine operator in the world and almost reinvented the position.

The Brazilian spearheaded the attack which won the Premier League in 2020, registering a whopping 25 goal involvements across all competitions.

4 – Alexis Sanchez

Many may question why Alexis Sanchez is so high on this list, after all, he’s never won the Premier League title.

However, during his peak at Arsenal, Sanchez was virtually unplayable and earned glowing plaudits from the likes of Pep Guardiola – who wanted to sign him at Manchester City.

"He is a class, class player but now I think he is playing really well. With Chile he has won two South American cups, that shows what a good player he is,” Guardiola said in 2016.

3 – Carlos Tevez

Carlos Tevez has plied his trade for both Manchester teams, so it’s fair to say he’s somewhat of a polarising figure around the Premier League.

But Tevez’s quality is undeniable and at both clubs, he was instrumental in winning the title under Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini.

2 – Luis Suarez

By many fans’ criteria, Luis Suarez is the greatest striker in the history of football and whilst his stint at Liverpool was fairly short, he certainly evinced that label.

The Uruguayan was named PFA Player of the Year in his final season at the club, netting a whopping 31 goals in 33 league appearances.

1 – Sergio Aguero

Completing the list is none other than Sergio Aguero, who is cemented in Premier League history thanks to his 184 goals, only behind Andy Cole, Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Alan Shearer.

Aguero is also responsible for perhaps the most iconic moment, too, scoring the stoppage time goal to win Man City their first-ever league title.