It is the willingness to change that has ensured that the amount of Klebersons from South America are reducing and the amount of Agueros are on the up and it is in no small part down to the changing of the English game too, as it adapts and changes to keep up with the rest of Europe and indeed the world, to ensure they continue to compete on the biggest of the club and world stages. The leaps and bounds that the Premier League has taken since 2005, when it comes to investing in los jugadores sudamericanos, are vast: seven years ago, the Bundesliga was the league of trade for 38 South Americans, dwarfing the Premier League’s figure by more than threefold, but now England’s figure is increasing towards the figure of Germany and Italy’s and the increased amount of players from the continent can only help, providing an attraction to other aspiring countrymen and a port of call, help and advice once here.
Nine South Americans have already joined the Premier League so far this season, through promotion through the ranks, promotion from the Championship and bought in from abroad, including: Sebastian Coates, Sergio Aguero and Andre Santos. January provides the opportunity for the influx of more players from the continent responsible for the most World Cup wins.
Eduardo Vargas, a supposed target for Chelsea and Liverpool, who plays up front as a diminutive, pacey goal-getter had a successful season with Universidad de Chile averaging a goal every other game. He was nominated for the South American Player of the Year Award, alongside eventual winner Neymar, and finished as a deserved runner up. However, his value of £10m clearly didn’t represent value for money or seem worth the risk for any actual interested Premier League parties, as the Uruguayan has made the much taken switch from Argentina to Italy by joining Napoli. However, the 3rd placed player in the award was Ganso and he may well be destined for the Premier League with Tottenham supposedly interested. Then again, maybe he isn’t, “Ganso? I have never heard of him. I don’t know him, where does he play? What position?” said Harry Redknapp when questioned on the rumour. ““I don’t get to Brazil much,” added the Spurs boss, signalling a possible reason for the lack of South Americans in the Premier League, amidst his ignorance.
Liverpool are supposedly holding talks with Jaguares de Chiapas over the signing of £8m-rated Jackson Martinez, who is also interesting Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, as they hunt for a European spot and Arsenal have allegedly registered an interest in Argentinian Anderlecht striker Matias Suarez, who at 23 has scored six goals in six games in the Europa League.
However, whilst England are increasing their number of Brazilians, Argentines and the like, they are still behind Italy and Spain and the disadvantage is still proving itself as problematic for Premier League clubs chasing South American stars. Eduardo Vargas has already been snatched by Napoli, as was Erik Lamela by Roma in the summer, and if England are to continue to compete in the Champions League and push for major honours, then securing the stars of the future from this continent may hold the key.
Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit
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