Before we all get too excited about the Coutinho signing let's have a look at how some of the more memorable past Brazilians have fared in the Premier League of recent years (this is just my opinion):
Alex - Had his moments (Edit)
Afonso Alves - Woeful
Anderson - Has talent but struggles to get lenghty form
Fábio Aurélio - Was always a squad member
Júlio Baptista - Never really go going
Juliano Belletti - Bit part player
Denílson - Unfulfilled potential
David Luiz - Seems a class act but was overpriced
Doni - Only backup
Edu - Nothing special
Elano - Was a great player, key to the start of City's rise
Fábio - Overlooked by his brother
Geovanni - Made an impact
Gilberto Silva - Solid but never anything more
Heurelho Gomes - Less said the better
Jô - One of the worst PL signings ever value for money wise (almost a Carroll)
Júlio César - Looking good but with flaws
Juninho - Real class
Kléberson - Cack
Lucas Leiva - Took his time but now showing his quality
Douglas Maicon - Vastly overrated at Inter
Oscar - Has potential but needs time
Rafael da Silva - Inconsistant but should develop
Ramires - All round solid player
Robinho - Thinks he's better than he is
Fábio Rochemback - Decent player
Sandro - Looking like he's making an impact
André Santos - One of the worst players I have seen to grace this league
Sylvinho - Meh
Lucas Piazon - Potential but a raw talent
So overall have Brazilians been any good in the PL?
Not really
I'm looking forward to seeing what Coutinho has to offer but I would be incredibly surprised if he made an instant impact.
Thoughts?
Brazilians in The Premier League
posted on 27/1/13
So overall have Brazilians been any good in the PL?
Not really
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Racist
posted on 27/1/13
That's due to all the best Brazilian's going to La Liga and England being left with the second rate one's. It's not because of their nationality but their quality.
Some you've rated harshly, especially Alex who was outstanding.
posted on 27/1/13
This list isn't very well researched to be honest. Naturally, I'll take issue with the Rafael as 'inconsistent' remark. The kid has personified consistency this season. He's excellent. I also think you're a bit harsh on Alex and Aurelio as others have said. Have you mentioned Sandro? I think he's class, personally. Sorry if you have.
Annoyingly, Brazilian's just seem to be made of glass. Their knees just aren't made for this game! So many have had their careers interrupted by them.
posted on 27/1/13
Interested in seeing this Coutinho, by the way. Hope he does well. The more good players there are in the league the better.
posted on 27/1/13
There might be exceptions, but in the main it's a pretty fair point.
However, I don't think it's because Barzilians aren't suited to the PL. Imo, it just goes to show how a lot of PL clubs are dilapidating their income on players who don't really suit their game. The policy sometimes seems to be "sign first, think second". Some of the guys in that list are more than decent but were either signed at the wrong time in their careers or suited to systems their teams didn't deploy.
In terms of cash to splash, this past decade has been a golden age for the PL, but so much of that cash is just being poured down a drain.
posted on 27/1/13
You are going to get your flops regardless of where they are from. I mainly agree with the list and the criticisms.
I don't think Brazilians are suited to our league as much as the Argentinians who along with their flair have much more of a work like attitude.
posted on 27/1/13
I think however Premier League players decide to style their manfannys is totally up to them.
Ridiculous thread.
posted on 27/1/13
The Brazil side with the three Rs and Carlos was the last great brazil side.
And all of those went to the top sides at the time (which weren't in England)
I think it's as much timing as anything.
When the English league was really strong, Brazil was a weaker side. When Brazil were top, England was the 3rd best league and they wouldn't come.
posted on 27/1/13
You thought the overweight rochemback was decent??
Good lord, i don't know what he was like before he came to england but he was atrocious here.
posted on 27/1/13
He was atrocious at Barça too.