South American talent: Ulloa one of many stars from the continent shining in the Premier League
Even with the departure of Uruguayan superstar Luis Suarez, the Premier League has acquired some exceptional South American talent this summer, including Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Alexis Sanchez and Diego Costa. Although La Liga boasts the likes of Lionel Messi and James Rodriguez, there have been several marquee signings that have had positive starts in the most competitive league in the world.
The influx was mainly due to South American teams excelling in this year’s World Cup in Brazil, with Argentina reaching the final and Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Uruguay all reaching the knockout stages. If your gut says that they will be successful this season, place your bets with Matchbook.
Angel Di Maria – Manchester United
United’s club record signing was probably the most notable transfer in world football this summer alongside the big money transfer of James Rodriguez from Monaco to Real Madrid, not just because of the fee paid for the explosive forward, but because of Di Maria’s decision to miss out on Champion’s League football and make the switch to Old Trafford, turning down the chance to stay at Madrid or a move to PSG.
After an average performance on his debut at Burnley, Di Maria has put in some brilliant man of the match displays against QPR and Leicester, scoring two goals including a sublime lob against Leicester. The Argentinian winger has creating several chances for his teammates and been a constant menace when running at defenders. Man United will need him firing on a regular basis if they’re to regain Champions League football.
Leonardo Ulloa – Leicester City
Leicester’s club record signing has been on fire since his £8m move step up from Brighton in the Championship to the Premier League, scoring five goals in five appearances, only putting him behind Diego Costa with seven goals as top scorer in the Premier League. Ulloa’s work rate, physical prowess and aerial ability has helped Leicester make a great start back in the Premier League, scoring important goals against Man United, Arsenal, Everton and Stoke. If the 28-year-old continues his goalscoring form this season, I’m sure it won’t be long before he receives his first international call-up for Argentina. Bargain of the season so far.
Esteban Cambiasso – Leicester City
The veteran midfielder made a surprise switch to Leicester City after spending 10 years Inter Milan.
At the age of 34, Cambiasso has proved his quality and experience in the middle, scoring his first goal and bossing the centre of midfield until he was substituted in a 5-3 win against Manchester United. His experience at the top level will be invaluable for Leicester City this season.
Diego Costa – Chelsea
Although Diego Costa plays for Spain at international level after being granted Spanish nationality, his Brazilian flare and athleticism is clear to see. Costa has made a phenomenal start to his Chelsea career and is currently the top scorer in the Premier League after netting seven times in five matches and breaking the record for most goals in his first four Premier League games, surpassing Sergio Aguero and Mickey Quinn with six.
He will be hoping injury doesn’t affect what could be a great season for the Chelsea forward.
Fernando – Manchester City
Similar to fellow Brazilian and Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho, Fernando has gone under the radar as a successful signing for the Premier league holders. The defensive midfielder is a composed and physical player that has looked comfortable sitting in front of the back four in the opening two league games before picking up a groin injury in his third league match against Stoke. Fernando will be battling fellow Brazilian Fernandinho and Frank Lampard for a regular starting place alongside Yaya Toure.
Alexis Sanchez – Arsenal
Since arriving from Barcelona for £35m, Alexis Sanchez has scored in the league, Champions League and Capital One Cup for Arsenal, operating up top or from wide. Sanchez’s dogged displays for the club highlight his endurance and willingness to join in on an attack. The Chilean forward has scored four goals in total for the club, including an impressive finish against Manchester City in the league and a superb free-kick against Southampton in the Capital One Cup.
Radamel Falcao – Manchester United
Although the Colombian striker hasn’t found the net in his first two appearances for the club, his impact from the bench and first start for the club have shown he is slowly reaching match fitness and sharpness. Falcao grabbed his first assist in the Premier League, floating in a delightful cross for Robin Van Persia to open the scoring against Leicester in a match where he hooked up well with United’s attacking force. I’m sure we’ll soon see the best of Falcao and scoring plenty of goals for United.
Carlos Sánchez – Aston Villa
Colombia’s World Cup star was without any doubt James Rodriguez, although defensive midfielder Carlos Sanchez has proven to be a quality buy for Villa as they’ve enjoyed a positive start to the campaign. ‘La Rocca’ (The Rock), as he named for the strength on the pitch, has made only one start for the club in the league so far, but is a valuable addition to the club. Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing the former Elche player, but Villa got their man for a reported £4.7m.
Ecuador
Enner Valencia – West Ham
Enner Valencia was a relatively unknown international who gained attention after personal success in the World Cup, scoring all three Ecuador goals during the group stage. He has impressed early on for the Hammers, scoring one of the goals of the season so far with a 25 yard rocket of a shot against Hull in his full league debut. The Ecuador international will hope he can continue to start for West Ham this season and reach double figures.
Jefferson Montero – Swansea City
Like Enner Valencia, Montero enjoyed a successful world cup on a personal level despite Ecuador failing to reach the knockout stages. The 25-yeard-old has made five appearances for Swansea this season all from the bench, but has made an impact in every game, including his first start for the club in a 3-0 win at home to Everton in the League Cup, picking up his first assist for the club. The winger has mainly been restricted to substitute appearances in the league thus far due to the excellent form of Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge.
Abel Hernandez – Hull City
With one Uruguayan striker leaving the Premier League, another one has been brought in to Hull City for a club record fee of £10m. Although Hernandez didn’t score during Uruguay’s World Cup campaign, he has a very impressive goalscoring record of a goal every two games for his country. The striker grabbed his first goal for the club with a downward header in a 2-2 draw at home to West Ham. Hernandez will hope to form a good partnership with Croatian striker Jelavic.
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