It’s a tough task for anyone, but The Times columnist Tony Cascarino has gone about trying to pick the top 10 South American players to ever feature in the Premier League.
As noted in his column, it begins by stating that Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez is in great form, and the fact that he has been involved in 24 goals in his last 24 Premier League games, with 18 goals and six assists, proves that he is well on the way to climbing to the top of the list.
For now though, Cascarino only has him in third place, with Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero in second spot while former Liverpool star Luis Suarez remains the top dog.
“The complete footballer,” the former Chelsea man writes on the Uruguayan international. “His status as one of the world’s best has been cemented at Barcelona but at Liverpool it was clear that Suárez had the ability to punish the world’s very best defenders. Technically superb, he has the lot.”
It’s hard to argue with that selection as although Suarez fell short of delivering a Premier League title at Anfield, his tally of 69 goals in 110 league appearances showed his class and made him a firm favourite with the supporters.
The quality that he displayed proved that he was one of the best to ply his trade in the Premier League and that is why he edges it over Aguero who has been even more prolific and has won titles.
With 112 goals in 162 league games for City and two Premier League titles to show for his efforts, many will argue that the Argentine superstar deserves to take top spot, and they have a valid case.
What that also proves though is that perhaps Cascarino is right to leave Sanchez in third for the time being, but if he can maintain his current form and inspire Arsenal to a league triumph this season, then perhaps it may need a reshuffle.
Former Manchester United star Carlos Tevez and current right-back Antonio Valencia make the top 10, as do Liverpool duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.
Willian ensures that there is Chelsea representation while former Gunners favourite Gilberto Silva also takes his place in the top 10 along with Javier Mascherano.