I thought to myself today: why have I never been a big fan of the english premier league? After much thought I realized that I subconsciously have am addiction to Brazilian footballers. Brazilian players tend to find Spain & Italy to be their main destination to pursue their footballing careers in Europe, but England is not usually their dream destination. I'm guessing they don't like the rain that much. So that leads me to ask this question: who are the best Brazilians to EVER grace the english premier league? Yea yea everyone will say Robinho, Jo.... WHO ELSE?

Lucas Lieva - yeah yeah

What about Anderson of Man Utd?
On a serious note, you are right Aeaglan.... I always wonder the same-why aren't the Samba men interested in the Premiere League?
Or maybe the Premiere League isn't interested in them?
I think that the Brazilians won't really adapt in the Premiere League.... I think its too rough for them. Brazilians love to play the free flowing, 100% technique based, a kinda counter-attacking style of Football. All they have is technique.... Just have a look at the Brazilian League-and you'll know why.
So, naturally, the Brazilans prefer a less-rugged league like the Spanish or the Italian League.
And this situation is not gonna' change unless, they change their style of play.
And another important factor is that most of the Brazilians are in-consistentThe in-consistent players are not given a second chance in the hard prem and thrown out immediately after losing their form. A very good example is Robinho

The leagues suit them better in general, end of story, the clubs know it and the players know it. The English game is way more physical meaning the samba tricks just don't cut it as they need to have the physical factor to compete too

Brazilians like to play the game their way, which will never suit the premier league. They just wanna enjoy their game but in Prem, you gotta' be consistent and should handle a lot of pressure which they can't and don't want to

These are all very valid arguments so far regarding the reasons behind the lack of brazilians in the EPL. But my question was: who are the brazilians that DID play in the EPL & played it well?

I can think of two Brazilians who did well. The best in my opinion was Juninho of Middlesbrough he was awesome and is still a legend on Teesside. He always looked like he was wearing his dads shirt




The only other I can think that had long term success was Gilberto Silva of Arsenal who was fantastic for them.

I think the main reason there hasn't been more is down to language barrier, cold weather and playing style. Much the same reason why very few English players have done well abroad (weather not really an issue, might be a bit warm I spose)

Juninho, by far. Samba, dribbling and a mental appetite for taking goals through blinding free-kicks. Middlesbrough were lucky to have him.

Edit:Matt beat me to it by 47 seconds . I'd agree, Juninho and Gilberto were definitely two of the best ever to perform well. Arsenal had a really good record, during the games that Gilberto played. Fantastic DM

Gilberto Silva was amazing for Arsenal before he moved to Turkey. I think Abel Xavier was ok - ok, not brilliant, don't get worked up people. And to answer your critics I would certainly not choose Robinho, especially at the time you made this thread. Moved to Santos anyway. Good thread!

Silvinho.... At arsenal was good currently back in epl at man city I think.
Emerson a centre back at chelsea wasnt to bad not the greatist but done a job.
Emerson and juninho at middlesbrough both were quality.
Belletti currently at chelsea. Scores wonder goals
Alex currently at chelsea. Good freekick taker at quite solid at the back.
Deco is also a brazilian but gained citizenship with portugal. Great at barca started well at chelsea got injured then had a bad run of form but slowly getting back to his usual standard